Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev Share UFC P4P Top Spots as LW Champ Topples Alexander Volkanovski After UFC 294

Islam Makhachev has finally done it. The Dagestani warrior has secured his place in the history of the lightweight division by defeating Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski (twice), all within the span of just one year. This feat has started the conversation that Makhachev has solidified his status as one of the greatest lightweight fighters ever to grace the UFC Octagon.

UFC 294 came to a swift conclusion, with Makhachev securing a knockout victory over Volkanovski via a head kick. Makhachev’s win decisively established him as the better fighter. Further, it has also settled a heated debate that arose after their initial encounter- the P4P rankings. What impact has this victory had on the current pound-for-pound rankings in the UFC?

Islam Makhachev finally surpasses Volkanovski in the P4P rankings

At UFC 294 on Saturday, Islam Makhachev registered the first loss via a finish in Volkanovski’s career in almost a decade. After he silenced his doubters and critics, there was not a lot of talk about who should be higher on the P4P list.

Both men had agreed that short notice and preparations made for other opponents would not be excuses for this fight. True to their word, the loser gave the winner his due credit. Apparently, so did the ones who voted up this week’s rankings update.

Makhachev has conclusively settled the debate over who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, and the latest rankings support his claim. Makhachev has displaced the Australian fighter and now stands at the 2nd spot on the table just below Jon Jones. Recently, the two men had a go at each other, setting the ground for a new P4P king debate.

Makhachev criticized Jon Jones for his championship status.

Islam Makhachev has recently called out Jon Jones for his championship as well as his pound-to-pound status. While having a pre-fight press conference for UFC 294, Makhachev attacked Jones for his p4p #1 status. Makhachev said, “This is what a UFC champion has to do. Like a real champion. If you’re a real champion you have to take the fight, it doesn’t matter how many days, who it’s going to be, not like your pound-for-pound champion [Jon Jones] when they gave him Chael Sonnen. When you’re a real champion, you have to fight.”

Makhachev’s unnecessary cry out didn’t sit well with the heavyweight champion as he took to his X(formerly Twitter handle) to add a response to Makhachev’s comment- “I want to encourage the young fighters to beat some of my records instead of using their lips. Now that’s gangsta.”

Read More: “He’s So Bad at It”- Classy Jon Jones Response to Islam Makhachev’s Uncalled for Remarks Has Fans Up in Arms Towards the Dagestani UFC Champ

With Islam Makhachev ousting Alex Volkanovski and rising up closer to the top position of the p4p ranking, It is just a matter of time before he will dethrone Jon Jones. Do you think Makhachev will dethrone Jon Jones? Do tell us in the comments below.

Watch this story: Who Will Islam Makhachev Fight Next After Knocking Out Alexander Volkanovski?