Every UFC division has a championship belt. All fighters in that division fight, ultimately, to get to the top of their division and capture the title. And there is only one title that is even more prestigious than the championship: the pound-for-pound rankings. A jury made up of MMA journalists and broadcasters ranks fighters across divisions every week to determine the p4p rankings.

At one point in the promotion’s history, before 1996, there were no weight classes. All fighters fought each other in a knockout tournament, and the last man standing was declared the UFC champion. But this is not possible today, as the UFC has eight weight classes for men and four for women. Therefore, the best way to determine who is the best fighter in the promotion, regardless of weight class, is through the P4P rankings. And if Islam Makhachev can defeat Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 on October 21, he will have a very good chance after that fight to knock Jon Jones off the p4p throne.

Islam Makhachev’s pound-for-pound spot after Volk fight

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhahcev fought featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February this year. The Australian was ranked #1 in the pound-for-pound rankings before the bout, with the Dagestani ranked #2. Makhachev won the bout via unanimous decision. But this did not change either man’s standing.

And Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has expressed displeasure about this fact. He felt that beating the #1 ranked fighter should have seen the Dagestani move up to the top of the rankings. However, it is important to remember that ‘Volk’ was moving up a division, which put him at an inherent disadvantage and could put up a stellar performance. Additionally, many, including Joe Rogan, thought he had won the fight. These reasons are probably why there was no change in the rankings. But that gives rise to another question.

How can Islam Makhachev become P4P #1?

Taking a leaf out of ‘Volk’s book, Makhachev has spoken about wanting to move up a weight class and fight the UFC welterweight champion. He had floated the idea of a possible bout against welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 294 early this year. That bout did not materialize, and ‘Rocky’ is scheduled to defend his title against Colby Covington at UFC 296 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in December.

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And Covington has already called out Makhachev, promising a fight if he becomes champion. Makhachev has already accepted the challenge. He even expressed support for Covington in his title bout since it would mean he gets a shot at becoming a double champion. And if he manages to win against Covington, in most people’s opinion, that would be the best case he could make for being ranked #1 in the P4P rankings. But first, he needs to get through ‘Alexander the Great’, and that will be no easy task.

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