UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has hit out at Jon Jones over his position in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.
Jones regained the top spot in March when he returned to the sport after a three-year hiatus, submitting Ciryl Gane in the first round to become UFC heavyweight champion. Makhachev, meanwhile, sits at number three in the rankings ahead of his long-awaited rematch against Alexander Volkanovski this Saturday at UFC 294.
The fight came together on 11-days notice after number one contender Charles Oliveira withdrew from the bout due to injury.
Speaking at the UFC media day in Abu Dhabi, the Russian alluded to ‘Bones’s’ situation at UFC 151, where he refused to face Chael Sonnen on short notice.
He said: This is what UFC champions have to do. If you’re a real champion, you have to take [the] fight, doesn’t matter how many days, who it’s going to be.
“Not like your pound-for-pound champion when they give him Chael Sonnen. If you’re a real champion, you have to fight.
“They put him [Jon Jones] number one, the number one guy right now, (but) who [has] he beat in his last five fights?
“We don’t have some names in the top pound-for-pound rankings. I just want to say about the rankings and all these things, this is bullsh*t, and I’m not following anymore.”
Jon Jones Responds to Islam Makhachev on Social Media
Jones is currently scheduled to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on November 12, a colossal bout in the heavyweight division with the title on the line.
The 36-year-old responded via his official X account, wishing Makhachev luck for his fight this weekend.
He said: “I wish you all the best Habibi.
“As far as the fight, may the best man win, I was just talking about in life. Islam made some negative comments recently. No need for me to respond with negativity. I have bigger fish to fry right now.
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Criticism comes with the territory.
“I want to encourage the young fighters to beat some of my records instead of using their lips. Now that’s gangsta.”
Quotes via Yardbarker
What do you make of Makhachev’s comments? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
