Conor McGregor Briefly Replaces Khabib Nurmagomedov as Number One Pound for Pound Fighter

The UFC has always prided itself on having the best MMA fighters in the world. Champions in each division of the UFC are some of the best fighters to have ever stepped foot into the octagon. However, with so many world-class fighters vying for the mythical pound-for-pound crown, there are bound to be a few omissions. 

Following his last fight against Justin Gaethje, Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement. His parting wish was that they should name him the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world. The UFC obliged and in the process ‘The Eagle’ achieved a lifelong dream. He became the undefeated, undisputed pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. 

Read: “It actually all lines up perfectly”- Dana White gives an update on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s future

Khabib Nurmagomedov is the number one pound-for-pound fighter, despite being retired 

Aaron Bronsteter shared a picture of the pound-for-pound rankings from the UFC website. The image showed Conor McGregor on top followed by Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Israel Adesanya, and Kamaru Usman as the top 5. 

A few hours later the updated rankings were uploaded by Bronsteter, which showed Khabib Nurmagomedov at number one followed by Jon Jones, Israel Adesanya, Stipe Miocic, and Kamaru Usman. 

The addition of Khabib Nurmagomedov at number meant that Jon Jones was dethroned. This did not go down well with ‘Bones’ who put out a series of Tweets staking his claim to be the pound-for-pound number one fighter. 

Despite Khabib Nurmagomedov being retired, he still finds himself at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. UFC president Dana White confirmed that he would be meeting with ‘The Eagle’ next month to talk about his future in the company. 

Jones, on the other hand, may fight in his new division next year. If he is able to secure a win at heavyweight and eventually win the title there as well, he will be without a doubt the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world. 

What do you make of the pound-for-pound rankings? What changes would you make? Let us know in the comments below.