Islam Makhachev Will Remain P4P #1 Despite Dana White’s Public Support for Jon Jones as Daniel Cormier Cements the Rankings

The fighting community has often argued about the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Currently, it’s the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, who sits on top of the P4P #1 throne. Although many significant names, like Dana White and Chael Sonnen, believe otherwise, Daniel Cormier, however, was in complete support of the Dagestani champ.

White previously trashed the committee that put Makhachev up at the top instead of Jon Jones. On the other hand, Joe Rogan named a few others. But why did Cormier stick with Makhachev? Let’s find out.

Daniel Cormier believes Islam Makhachev deserves the P4P #1 spot

On 12th June 2024, Sonnen and Cormier stumbled upon the topic of UFC P4P rankings at the set of ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’. Therein, DC asked ‘The Bad Guy’ about his opinion on who would hold the P4P #1 spot by the end of the year. To the former HW champ’s surprise, Sonnen named Alex Pereira. He claimed that the Brazilian would soon strike fear and contenders would not agree to fight against him. 

But Cormier did not agree. He believed that Makhachev would not budge from his throne in the P4P rankings. This was speculated on the chance that the Dagestani won’t fight this year. But in case he does decide to step into the Octagon, it would be when the UFC enters Abu Dhabi. 

DC said, “It’s gonna still be Makhachev, for me. Just because I don’t know when he’s gonna fight. Chael, if he doesn’t fight by the end of the year, I imagine he’s gonna fight in Abu Dhabi, in October. That’s generally where Makhachev fights. If he doesn’t, though, I don’t know how anything changes. So, for me, I think it’ll still be Makhachev.” 

On the other hand, the UFC CEO publicly revealed his opinion on the pound-for-pound rankings. As he had done many times before, White hyped up Jones and claimed that he should have been at the very top of the P4P list. This debate has led the fight fans to wonder how exactly the P4P list was made. And that’s where Rogan swooped in with an explanation.

Joe Rogan reveals how P4P #1 is chosen

On the JRE Fight Companion, streamed on 22nd June, Brian Simpson asked the UFC color commentator about the procedure for the determination of the rankings in the UFC. Rogan revealed that a jury consisting of media members decides the rankings. It was indeed a periodic process. 

Rogan explained, “Based on who’s winning, it’s voted on. It’s based on the experts, [they] are deciding, like the press… They’re the best rankings we currently have available and most people agree on them. They’re very close to what I would say are accurate. I only very rarely disagree with the rankings.” Despite claiming that he seldom disagreed with the rankings, Rogan revealed that Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson, and Jones could be excellent considerations for the P4P throne. He was equally supportive of Makhachev at the top, as well. 

Do you agree with Cormier’s prediction about Makhachev remaining the P4P #1 by the end of the year? Is there any other fighter that you think deserves to be at the top? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.