Islam Makhachev retained his light-weight title with a dominant efficiency over Renato Moicano within the UFC 311 most important occasion, however his victory earned him much more with regards to Dana White’s admiration.
Regardless of Makhachev’s unreal 14-fight win streak previous to Saturday evening, whereas remaining one of the crucial lively champions on the whole UFC roster, White persistently touted Jon Jones because the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter within the sport. White’s argument at all times got here right down to Jones’ longevity as champion with wins in 16 UFC title fights, to not point out an unblemished résumé relationship again to his debut in 2008 together with his solely “loss” coming by way of disqualification in a struggle he was successful in lopsided style.
Whereas all these accomplishments most likely cement Jones as the best fighter of all time, he’s solely fought twice up to now 4 years throughout the identical time period when Makhachev racked up eight wins, together with 4 title fights after which capping that off with one other championship victory on Saturday. Makhachev successful at UFC 311 was lastly sufficient for White to concede that he deserves the highest spot in these legendary pound-for-pound rankings over Jones.
“He’s already the pound-for-pound No. 1 rating. Yeah, I’ll give it to him,” White mentioned on the UFC 311 post-fight press convention. “Is all people blissful now that he’s pound-for-pound?
“Islam was keen to struggle anyone. He’s stayed lively and he went out tonight and carried out the way in which a man ought to on a short-notice struggle when you’re the very best on the planet and you’re the champion.”
Heading into UFC 311, Makhachev was No. 1 within the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings.
White argued vehemently for months about why he put Jones on high of his listing however watching Makhachev carry out Saturday, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the struggle, lastly modified his thoughts.
“Don’t be dicks,” White mentioned with amusing about backing Jones for therefore lengthy. “I simply admitted I’m giving it to him and he’s the pound-for-pound [best].”
White praised Makhachev for his willingness to step into the struggle in opposition to Moicano with out blinking after initially scheduled title challenger Arman Tsarukyan dropped off the cardboard with a again damage.
Actually, White believes that’s what separates Makhachev from so many different fighters who need to sit in his place as a result of he talks the speak after which he walks the stroll.
“For the champ, I informed you, I mentioned it publicly, he mentioned ‘Brother, I’m the champion, I’m going to mattress, whoever I’m preventing tomorrow, I don’t care. I’ll get up and I’ll struggle anyone,’” White revealed. “Got here out and did what you’re purported to do in that place and really like a stud.”
Along with his proclamation that Makhachev is now the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, White added yet one more praise to his listing of accolades. This newest efficiency not solely cemented Makhachev in these rankings, however White believes he’s separated himself from each different light-weight to ever compete within the UFC.
“100%, there’s little doubt about it,” White mentioned about Makhachev. “He’s the pound-for-pound greatest on the planet proper now and he’s undoubtedly the very best to ever do it in that division.”
