Coach Javier Mendez believes there are clear differences between Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones that set them apart in the pound-for-pound debate.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev returns to the Octagon at UFC 311 in a rematch five years in the making against Arman Tsarukyan. Makhachev enters his upcoming title defense as the UFC's pound-for-pound No. 1 despite strong criticism of the rankings by UFC CEO Dana White.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones made a case for the No. 1 spot when he delivered a dominant performance against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. It was his highly anticipated first heavyweight title defense after nearly two full years out of the cage due to injury. .
Makhachev, Jones and UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira are three of the most popular names in the pound-for-pound discussion. According to Makhachev's head coach, the UFC lightweight champion's consistent activity level makes him preferable to Jones.
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Coach Javier Mendez ignores Jon Jones' activity level in the P4P debate
In a recent interview with Hablemos MMA, coach Javier Mendez compared the pound-for-pound cases of Makhachev and Jones.
“Here's what I always say: How many fights has Jon Jones had in the last four years? Tell me. How many?” Mendez said of the Makhachev/Jones debate. “If you said six or seven, okay. But how many does he have? Two in four years.
“No, you have to fight more than that (best for pound-for-pound). If Islam did the same, I'd put Jon Jones at number 1 – but he hasn't fought (as much). If he had been active it would have been a different conversation, but he barely put up a fight. For that reason alone I put Islam at number 1.” (h/t MMA Junkie)
Mendez then identified the one point holding Jones back in his pound-for-pound rankings.
“Jon Jones fought Miocic, who was (42), and hadn't fought in four years, so he wasn't the same. Jon Jones reigns supreme. He is an outstanding talent and has never lost in his entire life,” Mendez said of Jones. “It's hard to criticize him because he's fought everyone, but he just hasn't fought much in the last four years.”
Jones is expected to return to the Octagon later this year, likely against interim titleholder Tom Aspinall. Jones and the UFC are in active negotiations to solidify his return.
It's fair to mention that Mendez was the longtime coach of Jones' biggest UFC rival, Daniel Cormier, during the former UFC Hall of Fame career. The heat between Cormier and Jones continues to this day.
Islam Makhachev wants to cement P4P status at UFC 311
Makhachev last defeated Dustin Poirier in the UFC 302 main event, his first title defense not involving Alexander Volkanovski. He earned the title by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 and quickly rose up the pound-for-pound rankings.
Makhachev and Jones have a chance to battle for the No. 1 spot in the coming months. Pereira, who won three fights in 2024, is also firmly in the mix.
Makhachev will get the edge later this month by adding a pound-for-pound separation at UFC 311, and 2025 will be another eventful year for the elite fighters.
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