Dana White has finally accepted Islam Makhachev as the pound-for-pound UFC king.
The lightweight champion defeated Renato Moicano to defend his title on Saturday evening at UFC 311 in California.
Islam Makhachev's performance was particularly impressive as until Friday he was booked to face Arman Tsarukyan, but the Armenian withdrew from the first UFC pay-per-view show of the year after suffering a back injury.
The first-round victory was so impressive that it convinced Dana White to change one of his strongest opinions.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Dana White names new pound-for-pound number one
Dana White spent most of 2024 blasting the UFC rankings panel for overlooking heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who has fought just twice in five years, in favor of Makhachev.
However, the MMA mogul ultimately admitted that Khabib's teammate Nurmagomedov is the best fighter currently on his roster after UFC 311.
“Yeah, I'll give it to him,” White said when asked if he believes Makhachev is the P4P number one during his post-fight press conference. “Are you happy? Is everyone happy now?”
He added: “Islam was ready to fight anyone, he stayed active and went out to perform tonight.
'Don't be such a jerk. I just admitted that I care [Makhachev]he is pound for pound.
Who is the best UFC lightweight fighter ever?
White took it a step further with his praise for Makhachev following his historic UFC 311 win.
The 55-year-old ranked his current 155-pound champion as the best fighter the division has ever seen.
Makhachev set a new defense record at four for the weight class, but this achievement was somewhat compromised by the fact that all of his opponents since becoming champion have been former featherweights.
“100 percent,” White said when asked if Makhachev is the best UFC lightweight of all time.
He added: “Yes, there is nothing to worry about.
“I mean, he's the pound-for-pound best in the world right now, and he's absolutely the best to do it in that division.”
Makhachev has defeated Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovksi during an incredible 15-fight winning streak, leaving him just one win away from equaling Anderson Silva's record.
It appears he is well on his way to becoming one of the greatest fighters in UFC history regardless of weight.
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