The landscape of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings has shifted dramatically, with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev claiming the top spot in Dana White's book. This marks a significant change in opinion for the UFC president, who had previously championed Jon Jones as the best fighter across all weight classes. However, after Saturday night’s UFC 311 main event at the Intuit Dome, White has officially passed the torch to Makhachev.
For those who’ve been following the sport closely, it’s no surprise that Makhachev’s dominance has earned him this recognition. His performance against Renato Moicano, a replacement opponent, ended in a spectacular first-round submission. This victory not only added another title defense to his record but also set new standards in the lightweight division. With five consecutive title defenses, Makhachev now surpasses the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and B.J. Penn—all legends in their own right. Add to that his ongoing 15-fight winning streak, and he’s just one win shy of tying Anderson Silva’s historic 16-fight streak.
Dana White’s change of heart was evident in his post-event comments. “Yeah, I’ll give it to him,” White told reporters, including MMA Junkie. “Are you happy? Is everybody happy now?” His tone may have been playful, but the sentiment was genuine. White’s admiration for Makhachev’s skill set and mentality was crystal clear. He even went a step further, boldly declaring Makhachev as the greatest lightweight of all time.
“A hundred percent, there’s no doubt about it,” White emphasized. “He’s the pound-for-pound best in the world, and he’s definitely the best to ever do it in that division.”
What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is the context. Makhachev wasn’t originally slated to face Moicano. His original opponent, Arman Tsarukyan, had to pull out of the fight due to a back injury sustained during Friday’s weigh-ins. For most fighters, a last-minute opponent change could disrupt their game plan or mindset, but not for Makhachev. Instead of hesitating, he embraced the challenge with the confidence of a champion.
“Islam was willing to fight anybody,” White said. “He’s stayed active, and he went out tonight and performed the way a guy should on a short-notice fight when you’re the best in the world, and you’re the champion.”
This adaptability and willingness to face anyone, anytime, have cemented Makhachev’s place as a true great in the sport. It’s rare to see a fighter maintain such dominance over an extended period, especially in the UFC, where the competition is fierce, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was Makhachev’s mentor and teammate, paved the way for this kind of excellence in the lightweight division. But even Khabib, as dominant as he was, didn’t achieve the number of title defenses Makhachev has now recorded.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Makhachev so exceptional:
-
Unmatched Skill Set: Makhachev’s combination of striking, grappling, and submission skills is second to none. He can outmaneuver opponents on the feet and dominate them on the ground.
-
Mental Toughness: Facing a replacement opponent on short notice is no easy task, but Makhachev showed no signs of hesitation or frustration. Instead, he delivered a flawless performance.
-
Record-Breaking Achievements: Five consecutive title defenses and a 15-fight winning streak speak volumes about his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
-
Legacy Building: Surpassing legends like Khabib, Penn, and Henderson sets Makhachev apart as a once-in-a-generation talent.
What’s next for Makhachev? That’s the big question. With his current trajectory, he seems poised to continue breaking records and solidifying his legacy. Whether it’s defending his title against new challengers or perhaps even moving up a weight class to seek new challenges, the possibilities are endless. One thing is certain: Makhachev has become the fighter to beat, not just in the lightweight division but across all divisions.
For fans and fighters alike, this shift in the pound-for-pound rankings is a moment to savor. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving nature of mixed martial arts, where new stars emerge, and the bar for greatness keeps getting higher. While Jon Jones’ legacy remains intact as one of the greatest fighters of all time, Islam Makhachev’s rise is a reminder that greatness is not a fixed point but a moving target.
As Dana White said, “He’s the pound-for-pound best in the world.” And for now, the UFC’s throne belongs to Islam Makhachev.
Login