Dana White rejects Islam Makhachev as P4P king, says Jon Jones is on top

03 June 2024

Islam Makhachev extended his winning streak to 14 with a submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. However, UFC CEO Dana White remains firm that Makhachev is not the sport's top pound-for-pound fighter. That honor, White insists, belongs to heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

“I think he’s one of the greatest of all-time,” White said of Makhachev, “but for anyone to call Islam the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world when Jon Jones is still fighting is nuts." White highlighted Jones’ perfect record and his success across both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions as unmatched.

Jones’ transition to heavyweight, culminating in a dominant win over Ciryl Gane, solidified his position. “Jon Jones walked through the No. 1 guy in the heavyweight division like it was nothing after three years off,” White remarked. In contrast, White believes Makhachev’s recent victories, including his defense against career featherweight Alexander Volkanovski, lack the same impact.

White emphasized Jones' career accomplishments. “Jon Jones beat everybody at light heavyweight then beat the best heavyweight in the division like it was nothing at a higher weight class,” he explained.

Despite past conflicts with Jones, White’s admiration was clear. Jones, responding to White’s comments, expressed gratitude on Twitter: “It felt awesome to get that level of recognition from the boss... Dana White has had a front row seat to my entire career, facts are facts.”

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Jones is preparing for a potential fight against Stipe Miocic, regarded as the most accomplished UFC heavyweight ever, aiming to further cement his legacy. Meanwhile, Makhachev, despite his UFC 302 triumph, remains second in White’s pound-for-pound rankings, underscoring Jon Jones' towering legacy.