“I Never Expected Justice and I Still Don’t”- Islam Makhachev Breaks Silence After Being Denied Pound-For-Pound Top Spot

Despite his victory at UFC 284, Islam Makhachev did not receive what was due to him. The UFC lightweight champion faced featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia this past weekend. The clash of champions was also a contest between the #1 and #2 ranked fighters on the UFC’s pound-for-pound list.

UFC’s promos advertised the fight as the one to determine the pound-for-pound top dog. However, the latest rankings still have Makhachev at #2 despite beating Volkanovski. The Russian has now commented on the situation and he does not seem too happy about it.

After beating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev called out Alexander Volkanovski for a fight at UFC 284. The callout clearly stated that the Dagestanis were after Volkanovski’s pound-for-pound #1 ranking. In exchange, Makhachev would put up his title and give the Australian a chance at becoming a double champion. Now, neither fighter has got what they hoped to achieve from the contest.

Islam Makhachev commented on UFC P4P rankings

The latest pound-for-pound rankings from the UFC caused a tremendous uproar from many fans. Many of them believed that Makhachev rightfully earned the top spot on the list. Now, the champion himself has given his take on the issue.

In a recent clip that surfaced on the internet, we can see Makhachev respond to questions about the rankings fiasco. Evidently, the sambo expert was not happy with the aftermath of UFC 284.

He said, “I never expected justice and I still don’t. Because we have always seen the attitude towards us on the example of our other fighters- Ankalaev, Petr Yan.”

He continued, “The main thing is that I drove 13,000 km, defeated their champion there. Referee raised my hand up. With my head up, confident, with a belt, I came home.”

A follow-up question went, “Do you think that this is generally due to the attitude towards the country?”

Read More– UFC Fans Ask the Same Question as Khabib and Islam Conduct ‘Fight Analysis’

In response, Makhachev said, “Maybe. I don’t know. I don’t play their games. But I can’t say otherwise. Because if they keep (ratings) I don’t know if ratings have changed completely or not. But if it stays like that, how can I count differently? I don’t know.”

Makhachev’s frustration with the rankings was evident in his reply. He also raised a valid point about Russian fighters getting the short end of the stick in recent times. In fact, Petr Yan‘s split decision loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 280 still doesn’t sit well with many.

Watch This Story– UFC 284: Fighters react to Volkanovski vs. Makhachev controversial decision

What are your thoughts on Makhachev’s comments? Do you think he deserves the #1 spot on the P4P list? Let us know in the comments below.