Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, has recently surpassed Jon Jones as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC rankings. The pound-for-pound ranking is a measure of a fighter’s skill and ability regardless of their weight class. The UFC has updated its rankings to reflect Makhachev’s achievement, and now he holds the top spot, surpassing Jones. Now, let’s explore the reasons behind Jones losing his number one position in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Islam Makhachev Surpasses Jon Jones, Achieves Top Ranking in UFC’s Pound-for-Pound List
After successfully defending his title against Alexander Volkanovski in UFC 294 with a first-round knockout via a headkick, Islam Makhachev initially remained in the second position in the pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings. However, he has now officially claimed the top spot in the latest UFC men’s P4P rankings, surpassing Jon Jones.
This change in ranking occurred following the withdrawal of the heavyweight champion from his scheduled bout against former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 due to a shoulder injury that Jones sustained prior to the fight.
Jones was dethroned from the top spot in the rankings due to his withdrawal from UFC 295. If he had fought and won against Stipe Miocic, he might have retained his position. Unfortunately, Jones had to pull out of the event this weekend due to his injury, leading to his loss of the number 1 position.
Certainly, in the Pound for Pound rankings, Islam Makhachev holds the top spot, followed by Jon Jones at number 2, Alexander Volkanovski at number 3, Leon Edwards at number 4, and Charles Oliveira at number 5.
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The rankings are dynamic and can change over time based on fighters’ performances. Those who perform well can move up in the rankings. Currently, Makhachev holds the top spot, but the rankings will keep evolving.
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