Islam Makhachev has shared his theory on Dana White's pound-for-pound stance.
The UFC lightweight champion has defeated Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovksi during an incredible 14-fight winning streak that saw him crowned the official pound-for-pound king.
Despite everything, Khabib Nurmagomedov's protégé hasn't done enough to convince his boss that he should get an edge over heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who has fought just twice in the last five years.
Dana White has repeatedly criticized the rankings panel for overlooking 'Bones' in favor of Islam Makhachev, who is starting to believe there is nothing he can do to win over the MMA mogul when it comes to his status as top dog .
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Islam Makhachev defends his P4P #1 status
Makhachev will put his lightweight title and P4P status on the line against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Saturday night.
Ahead of the highly anticipated fight, Makhachev has offered a theory that explains why White continues to put Jones ahead of him.
The 33-year-old believes White wants to honor Jones, who is expected to retire after fighting Tom Aspinall in 2025.
TNT Sports asked Makhachev: “What do you have to do to convince Dana White that you are his pound-for-pound number one?”
He replied: “There is only one man in this world who wants to put Jon Jones at the top [position]
[It’s] because Jon Jones has one fight left so he wants to put him up [top].
“I don't agree with him. People know and MMA fans know who the best fighter in the world is.
Islam Makhachev rules out two opponents after UFC 311
One way Makhachev could convince his doubters that he is the very best is by moving up in weight.
The Russian phenom has previously flirted with the idea of competing for gold at welterweight, but his feelings about that title have changed since one of his training partners, Belal Muhammad, became 170-pound champion by defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304 last July .
It is expected that 'Remember The Name' will soon defend his title for the first time against Shavkat Rakhmonov.
The 19-0 Kazakh fighter is also someone Makhachev is friends with and would prefer to avoid the fight.
“These are not the fights I would like,” he admitted during UFC 311 Media Day.
“I know both boys. These are definitely not the fights I would like.
“Both Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov are world-class fighters with all skills.”
“They're going to have a good fight, I want to see that.”
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