Alexander Volkanovski thinks light-weight champion Islam Makhachev is the rightful No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter within the UFC.
Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) submitted Dustin Poirier in Saturday’s UFC 302 headliner to notch his third title protection. Within the post-fight information convention, UFC CEO Dana White claimed that former longtime mild heavyweight champion and present heavyweight champ Jon Jones needs to be No. 1 pound-for-pound over Makhachev.
Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC), who misplaced twice to Makhachev, thinks latest energy of schedule has to play a component within the argument.
“You take a look at Jon Jones, all proper, we get it, you’re going to say he’s the best fighter of all time,” Volkanovski advised Submission Radio. “However pound-for-pound has to go along with, you understand, when you fought, the place one (has fought) in the previous few years, eight instances, in opposition to the names, and also you’ve solely fought as soon as. Like, that’s acquired to return into play.
“However I imply, (if) we’re speaking GOAT or best of all time prime fighters, you understand Jon Jones’ title goes to be up there. Nobody’s saying that’s not the case. However pound-for-pound, I feel there must be some exercise there and who you fought these days. Islam has fought some nice fighters and gained. So, you’ve acquired to present him a number of credit score for that. I feel he’s pound-for-pound.”
Volkanovski expressed curiosity in combating Poirier at light-weight whereas he waits for his featherweight title shot. He praised each Makhachev and Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) for his or her Battle of the Night time efforts.
“I assumed he (Poirier) fought nice; Islam appeared nice, as properly,” Volkanovski stated. “I feel lots of people predict Dustin not to take action properly. Like, clearly that first spherical it appeared like, ‘Oh no, that is going to be a fast one.’ For him to bounce again from that after which begin stopping the takedowns. The primary one he acquired taken down fairly simply.
“So, I used to be like, ‘Oh, this ain’t an excellent look.’ However then he was capable of cease him within the heart, and he did an excellent job there. So, credit score to him, confirmed toughness. However yeah, man, that’s anticipated from Dustin. We all know he’s a gamer. We all know he’s an absolute beast. And we all know how good of a fighter Islam is. However I feel Islam confirmed unbelievable putting, which we already knew.”
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