Islam Makhachev solidified his status as a top contender with a dominant submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Despite this, UFC CEO Dana White maintains that Makhachev isn’t yet the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, a title he reserves for heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
White’s admiration for Makhachev was evident as he lauded the UFC lightweight champion’s impressive streak, which now stands at 14 consecutive wins. However, White emphasized that as long as Jon Jones is actively competing and winning, Makhachev would have to be content with the No. 2 spot.
“I think he’s one of the greatest of all-time,” White said of Makhachev during the UFC 302 post-fight press conference. “I think he’s incredible. I don’t think he’s the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. For anyone to call Islam the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world when Jon Jones is still f*cking fighting is nuts and shouldn’t be ranking in the pound-for-pound, or doing any of the f*cking rankings ever if that’s what you really think.”
White’s argument hinges on Jones’ unparalleled career. Since his UFC debut in 2008, Jones has faced and defeated some of the toughest competitors across multiple weight classes. His only loss came through a controversial disqualification in a bout he was dominantly winning, a decision White has unsuccessfully tried to overturn for years.
Makhachev’s higher activity level and recent string of victories were noted, but White dismissed the notion that these factors outweigh Jones’ achievements, especially his remarkable comeback after a three-year hiatus.
White elaborated on this, saying, “Let’s talk about activity. Three years off — nobody, not even [Muhammad] Ali, nobody’s ever come from three years off and looked the same. Jon Jones walked through the No. 1 guy in the heavyweight division like it was nothing with three years off.”
According to White, Jones’ seamless transition to the heavyweight division and his quick victory over Ciryl Gane to claim the UFC heavyweight title in 2023 further cements his legacy.
This victory, coupled with Jones’ plans to face UFC’s most accomplished heavyweight, Stipe Miocic, in a tentatively scheduled fight in November, underscores White’s stance that Jones is the greatest of all time in any combat sport.
White’s unwavering support for Jones as the top pound-for-pound fighter reflects Jones’ historic dominance and versatility across weight classes. For now, Makhachev’s path to the No. 1 spot requires patience, awaiting a potential future where Jones may no longer be an active competitor. Until then, White is clear: Jon Jones reigns supreme.
