Islam Makhachev has shared his theory on Dana White’s pound-for-pound opinion.
The UFC lightweight champion has beaten Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Alexander Volkanovksi during an incredible 14-fight winning run that has seen him crowned the official pound-for-pound king.
Despite everything, Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protege hasn’t done enough to convince his boss that he should be ranked ahead of heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who has fought just twice in the past five years.
Dana White has repeatedly blasted the rankings panel for overlooking ‘Bones’ in favor of Islam Makhachev, who is beginning to believe that there’s nothing he can do to win over the MMA mogul when it comes to his top-dog status.
Islam Makhachev defends his P4P #1 status
Makhachev will put his lightweight title and P4P status on the line against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Saturday night.
Ahead of the eagerly anticipated fight, Makhachev has provided a theory that explains why White continues to rank Jones ahead of him.
The 33-year-old thinks White wants to honor Jones, who is expected to retire after fighting Tom Aspinall in 2025.
TNT Sports asked Makhachev: “What have you got to do to convince Dana White you are his pound-for-pound number one?”
He replied: “There is just one guy in this world who wants to put Jon Jones in the top [position]
“[It’s] because Jon Jones has one fight left, so he wants to put him [top].
“I don’t agree with him. People know and MMA fans know who the number one best fighter in the world is.”
Islam Makhachev rules out two opponents after UFC 311
One way Makhachev could convince his doubters he’s the very best is by moving up in weight.
The Russian phenom has previously flirted with the idea of challenging for welterweight gold, but his feelings about that title have changed since one of his training partners, Belal Muhammad, became the 170lb champion by beating Leon Edwards at UFC 304 last July.
‘Remember The Name’ is expected to defend his belt for the first time against Shavkat Rakhmonov soon.
The 19-0 Kazakh fighter is also someone Makhachev is friendly with and would prefer to avoid fighting.
“These are not the fights I would like,” he admitted during UFC 311 Media Day.
“I know both guys. These are not the fights I would like, for sure.
“Both Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov are world-class fighters with all the skills.”
“They’re going to have a good fight coming up, that I’m interested to see.”