Tag: Islam Makhachev

Aljamain Sterling agrees with Dana White that Jon Jones is No. 1 pound-for-pound over Islam Makhachev

Aljamain Sterling points to a personal experience to argue why Jon Jones should be the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter over Islam Makhachev.

[autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag] points to personal experience to argue why [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] should be the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC), who notched his third title defense by submitting Dustin Poirier in Saturday’s UFC 302 headliner, is currently the promotion’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Despite Makhachev’s impressive finish, UFC CEO [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] disagrees with the rankings. He thinks former longtime UFC light heavyweight champion and current heavyweight champ Jones should be No. 1, and Sterling agrees.

“If we’re talking pound-for-pound, everyone’s criteria is different,” Sterling said on his YouTube channel. “But I think pound-for-pound, the way I understand it is, if weight was not a factor, size was not a factor, skill-for-skill, who would be the best guy? And I agree, I think it’s Jon Jones.”

Sterling compared Jones’ comeback after more than a three-year layoff to submit Ciryl Gane and become vacant heavyweight champion to Henry Cejudo’s attempt. Cejudo tried to do the same when he came out of retirement to challenge then-bantamweight champ Sterling after almost three years away but fell short.

“I was about to say, three years off and to come back and do that to the No. 1 guy like Dana said, I actually really agree with that,” Sterling said. “If we’re talking about right now, Jon Jones, what he did is super impressive. Henry Cejudo came back, he tried to do what he tried to do and look what happened. He’s ‘the greatest combat athlete of all time,’ no disrespect to him but …”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.

Eddie Alvarez confident Arman Tsarukyan beats UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev

Eddie Alvarez thinks Arman Tsarukyan is the one to dethrone UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

[autotag]Eddie Alvarez[/autotag] thinks [autotag]Arman Tsarukyan[/autotag] is the one to dethrone UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag].

Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) retained his title with a fifth-round submission of Dustin Poirier in this past Saturday’s UFC 302 headliner at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

When comparing Makhachev to his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Alvarez says Makhachev’s risk taking is what makes him more beatable than Nurmagomedov.

“Islam is not Khabib, he doesn’t fight like Khabib,” Alvarez said on The MMA Hour. “He takes more chances, he takes more risks and relies on finishing guys, where Khabib just knew you weren’t going to be able to deal with him over time and he’d take you from 100 percent energy to 0 energy, and then he would finish you.

“Islam’s going to go for it, he’s going to leave himself more vulnerable so he’s a little bit funner to watch, but he’s more susceptible to getting beat than Khabib was.”

Makhachev said he’s more interested in challenging for the welterweight title than rematching Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), whom he beat in April 2019. That was just Tsarukyan’s UFC debut, and the 27-year-old has since gone 9-1.

Alvarez thinks Makhachev and his team are avoiding Tsarukyan. The former UFC lightweight champion also sees Tsarukyan being able to resist Makhachev’s wrestling, and even picked him to win – especially after seeing Poirier fend off numerous of Makhachev’s takedown attempts.

“Arman beats him,” Alvarez said. “I made that assumption right after the (Poirier) fight. Everybody Khabib defended against, he had what I call the state-grappling advantage. The gap in the grappling advantage was so high, and he dominated these guys. … If you’re able to match their wrestling a little bit where they can’t dominate you and you can put them in a fight, you start to see they’re a little bit human.”

“Arman, because of his wrestling background, he’s going to be able to stop the shot. He may even take Islam down a little bit. Islam won’t be the hammer the entire fight, and we need to see how he deals with that because they’re always the hammer.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.

Video: Is Islam Makhachev or Jon Jones the No. 1 P4P after UFC 302?

Dana White was adamant that Jon Jones remains the P4P No. 1 fighter, not Islam Makhachev. Is he right? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”

On the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel discusses the fallout of [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag]’s latest title defense.

Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title for a third time this past Saturday in the main event of UFC 302. He did so by submitting Dustin Poirier in a thrilling war. Makhachev’s win not only left a lot to talk about in the 155-pound division, but also in the sport as a whole, as many now view him as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in MMA.

Is Makhachev the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, or does that spot belong to [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag], as UFC CEO Dana White suggested?

MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King, Mike Bohn and host Gorgeous George react to Makhachev’s win and how this affects the pound-for-pound conversation.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.

https://youtube.com/live/HlprD38OBpI

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Stephen A. Smith: Conor McGregor ‘has no business being in the octagon’ with Islam Makhachev

There’s just no way we should ever see Conor McGregor fight Islam Makhachev, according to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

[autotag]Stephen A. Smith[/autotag] does not want to see [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] fight UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag].

Coach Javier Mendez said he’d like Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) to fight McGregor sometime after McGregor brought light to the staph infection he endured during his UFC 302 training camp. Makhachev wound up submitting Dustin Poirier this past Saturday to retain his title in what turned out to be a grueling main event.

McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is expected to return June 29 against Michael Chandler in the UFC 303 main event, with many believing a title shot could be his if he’s victorious.

“Conor goes and starts on a rant, starting to create drama with Islam,” Mendez told Red Corner MMA. “Which is kind of good because Conor’s the kind of guy you want to root against or root for. Regardless, everybody wants to see him, Me, I want to see him get beat by Islam.

“So, for me, him doing what he’s doing is causing a lot of attention, so there wouldn’t be nothing better for me and Khabib (Nurmagomedov) than to have Islam have a fight with him somewhere down the line. He brought that staph up, which is very observant on his part, to be honest with you. The only thing is that he observed it way too late. At the time he mentioned it, it was already three weeks past.”

However, after seeing Khabib Nurmagomedov dominate and submit McGregor in their title fight in 2018, Smith believes McGregor should want no part of Makhachev.

“I was in Vegas for the Conor McGregor-Khabib Nurmagomedov fight,” Smith said on ESPN’s “First Take” (h/t Championship Rounds). “It was one of the greatest events I’ve ever attended in my life. It was unreal.

“But what we learned in that fight is that Conor McGregor has no business being in the octagon against a grappler, which is what Makhachev (is). This brother right here is something special, and he’s not going to try and strike against Conor McGregor.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.

Islam Makhachev reacts to Dana White saying Jon Jones is No. 1 pound-for-pound in UFC

Here’s what Islam Makhachev had to say about Dana White saying Jon Jones is No. 1 pound-for-pound in the UFC.

NEWARK, N.J. – Many were blown away with that they saw from [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] on Saturday, solidifying his standing for many as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet or getting him in that spot for others who didn’t have him there already.

However, that wasn’t the case for everyone. UFC CEO [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] sparked a big reaction online when he argued that UFC heavyweight champion [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. These comments came after Makhachev’s third title defense of his UFC lightweight belt, which came in the form of a thrilling submission win over Dustin Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) in the main event of UFC 302.

Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) was asked at the UFC 302 post-fight press conference what he thought about White’s claims.

“I don’t know – maybe it’s his opinion,” Makhachev said. “I think I saved this card today because all these fights were boring and all arena almost sleep. We showed with Dustin a great performance. Dana gave me two bonuses. Before when I remember I had the first contract I would get very happy when I have bonus, but now it’s OK.”

In the last three years, Makhachev has picked up seven consecutive wins, defeating respected talent in Poirier, Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovksi (twice) and others. He has six finishes in that seven-fight run. Meanwhile, Jones has only fought once, submitting Ciryl Gane to claim the vacant UFC heavyweight title in 2023.

As far as Makhachev’s showing, he was happy with what he was able to display at UFC 302, but said he thinks there’s plenty of room for growth.

“I think Dustin prepared for this fight very well,” Makhachev said. “He said this was his last chance, and I think they did a great job. He improved his wrestling defense.

“I think my mistake in this fight is that I have to believe in my striking more because I show my striking today. I landed a lot of good punches and the first punches, I almost knocked him down. If I believe more, I think I can knock him out. But it’s OK. I’m happy to finish him on the ground.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Islam Makhachev submits Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor parties, Nick Diaz returns, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel discusses Islam Makhachev’s win over Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor’s partying videos and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King and Mike Bohn will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at 11 a.m. ET (8 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] remains the champion at 155 pounds. The Khabib Nurmagomedov protege completed his third title defense at lightweight, submitting longtime contender [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] in a thrilling bout in the main event of UFC 302. After the fight, Makhachev called for a chance to fight for the welterweight belt. Should the UFC grant this wish to Makhachev? Where does Saturday’s win put Makhachev in the pound-for-pound conversation? Should Poirier retire after the loss? We discuss.
  • UFC 302 saw other results outside the lone title fight, as [autotag]Sean Strickland[/autotag] got back to his winning ways; [autotag]Kevin Holland [/autotag] picked up a first-round submission win in his return to middleweight; Jailton Almeida continues to be a threat at heavyweight; and more. We revew some of the other highlights of Saturday’s card.
  • The card that will be hosting [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag]’s return to the octagon has finally taken shape. The promotion added an intriguing welterweight bout between [autotag]Ian Machado Garry[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag], while also getting [autotag]Carlos Ulberg[/autotag] to step in for [autotag]Khalil Rountree[/autotag] to take on [autotag]Jamahal Hill[/autotag]. The panel discusses the latest additions to the event, along with the videos that surfaced showing McGregor partying weeks away from his return.
  • [autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag] is back and so is [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag]. The two beloved MMA veterans make their return on Aug. 3 at UFC on ABC 7 in Abu Dhabi. On that same card, two big bouts pitting Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Marlon Vera, and Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez were also added. How do we feel about Diaz and Ferguson’s return bouts? What do these other matchups mean for their respective divisions? We cover it all.

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‘Today Islam grew a lot’: Khabib Nurmagomedov praises Makhachev’s performance at UFC 302

Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov gave a glowing review of Islam Makhachev’s submission win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.

[autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] believes UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] will walk away from UFC 302 as a much better fighter.

The UFC Hall of Famer was in Makhachev’s corner at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., helping guide his lifelong friend, training partner, and pupil to a successful title-defending submission victory over Dustin Poirier in the UFC 302 main event.

Although this fight did not go the distance like Makhahcev’s first title defense over Alexander Volkanovski, Poirier pushed Makhachev hard, and became the first to open cuts on the champ. Nurmagomedov noticed how hard Makhachev had to fight for the victory, and was pleased at how he persevered.

“To be honest, today Islam grew a lot,” Nurmagomedov said in a video on UFC’s social media. “You don’t even understand. When you go deep like today, it shows people you understand your body, and your things inside, and how deep you can go even more.

“All the time people underestimate themself – our body, our soul. We can go more deeper than five rounds, 10 rounds – it doesn’t matter.You just have to find this. You just have to be relaxed and find this way you have to go. How you can go deep. It was a very deep fight.”

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Nurmagomedov returned to Makhachev’s corner for the first time since he won the lightweight title by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. After taking time away from the sport to be with his family, Nurmagomedov returned after missing two fights to reunite with Makhachev.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.

Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Islam Makhachev after UFC 302 title defense?

Should Islam Makhachev move to welterweight for a second belt or run it back with Arman Tsarukyan after his UFC 302 title defense?

(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Dustin Poirier after UFC 302 title loss?)

[autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] held serve as top dog in the lightweight division Saturday when he defended his title against Dustin Poirier in the UFC 302 headliner.

Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) tied the all-time divisional title defense record when he locked up a fifth-round submission on Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., extending his winning streak to 14 fights inside the octagon.

Following the win, there appears to be two paths for Makhachev: Go all-in on moving up to welterweight to challenge the Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad winner at UFC 304, or attempt to take sole possession of the 155-pound title defense record with a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan.

What does the future hold for Makhachev? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on his future after UFC 302.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.

Video: Watch Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier’s backstage conversation after UFC 302

If Dustin Poirier is done with his fighting career, the man who would be his final opponent wants him to know he was an all-time great.

NEWARK, N.J. – If [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] is done with his fighting career, the man who would be his final opponent wants him to know he was an all-time great.

That was part of the message from [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) to Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) backstage after UFC 302 on Saturday at Prudential Center. Makhachev defended his lightweight title in the main event, and Poirier said after the fight it might have been his last.

The former interim lightweight champion met up with Makhachev backstage to thank him for the fight and wish him and his team future luck. The two further appeared to bury the hatchet from what purportedly was a misunderstanding earlier in the week due to differences in language, and Makhachev told Poirier he considers him one of the best.

Check out their exchange below, courtesy of the UFC on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7t7LlSNQBD

Poirier was submitted by Makhachev in the fifth round. It was the Louisiana native’s third shot at an undisputed UFC title, and though he’s only 35, after the fight he pointed to the wear and tear on his body of fighting for more than half of his life as a factor more than the age itself.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.

No surprise: Jon Jones stands by Dana White’s claim he’s MMA’s all-time P4P great

Islam Makhachev continued to live up to his longtime promise against Dustin Poirier. Where does he fall on the pound-for-pound list?

NEWARK, N.J. – [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] continued to live up to his longtime promise Saturday with a UFC 302 main event win.

Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) was in a Fight of the Night thriller with Dustin Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC), but kept chasing a submission even into the final round and finally tapped the former interim champion with a D’Arce choke to defend the lightweight title at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Afterward, the talk from various broadcast booths, both during the live event and after the card was over, was that Makhachev had sealed the deal as MMA’s pound-for-pound current top fighter. But UFC CEO [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] begged to differ.

Although White long has lauded former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov as one of the all-time pound-for-pound greats, and regularly has praised Nurmagomedov’s lifelong friend and teammate Makhachev as his proverbial second coming, the UFC head said someone else is atop the pound-for-pound list right now: heavyweight champion and former light heavyweight champ [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC).

“I think (Makhachev) is one of the greatest of all time,” White told MMA Junkie at his post-event news conference. “I think he’s incredible. I don’t think he’s the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.

“For anyone to call Islam the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world when Jon Jones is still f*cking fighting is nuts and shouldn’t be (voting) in the pound-for-pound (list) or doing any of the f*cking rankings ever if that’s what you really think. Jon Jones has never lost a fight ever. And then when you think about what the pound-for-pound rankings really mean, he moved up to heavyweight and destroyed the best guy in the world.”

Not surprisingly, Jones agrees.

“It felt awesome to get that level of recognition from the boss, the man that’s literally been here since UFC 1. I know the haters are not gonna like his comments but Dana’s a pretty hard person to argue with. @danawhite has had a front row seat to my entire career, facts are facts,” Jones posted on social media.

Jones won the light heavyweight title in 2011 and set the UFC record for youngest titleholder. After his eighth title defense in early 2015, which already was a record, he was stripped of the title for the first time when he failed a drug test with a positive cocaine test. A few months later, he was involved in a felony hit-and-run.

He returned and won an interim title in 2016, then unified the 205-pound title picture with a second win over rival Daniel Cormier. Jones was pulled from his rematch with Cormier during UFC 200 fight week for a positive steroid test that widely was blamed on contaminated substances and he was suspended again. Jones beat Cormier in 2017, but that title win was overturned and Jones again was stripped of a belt when he tested positive for steroids at UFC 214.

He reclaimed the title in late 2018 and had three decision wins in 2019-2020. But after his UFC 247 win over Dominick Reyes, he surrendered the light heavyweight title and declared an intention to move to heavyweight to go after a belt there.

After more than three years off, he beat Ciryl Gane in March 2023 to win the vacant heavyweight title after champion Francis Ngannou left the promotion in a contract dispute. So White’s contention that Jones “destroyed the best guy in the world” has to be predicated on the idea that Gane, who lost to Ngannou in 2022, was the world’s top fighter at the time – a supposition that most analysts dispute.

Jones has not fought since his March 2023 win over Gane. He suffered a training injury that has been keeping him from a fight with former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) expected to take place later this year. There has been speculation that both Miocic, who will turn 42 in August, will retire after the fight – and that Jones might, too.

Going back 10 years, Jones has fought just eight times, and one was flipped to a no contest. He’s 7-0 in those fights with five decisions.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.