Coach Javier Mendez highlights key differences between Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones that distinguish them in pound-for-pound debate.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is set to defend his title at UFC 311 in a highly anticipated rematch against Arman Tsarukyan, nearly five years after their first clash. Makhachev heads into the fight ranked as the UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1, a position that has sparked debate, including criticism from UFC CEO Dana White.
Meanwhile, UFC Heavyweight champion Jon Jones bolstered his case for the top pound-for-pound spot with a dominant victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. This marked Jones’ first heavyweight title defence, coming after nearly two years out of action due to injury.
Makhachev’s head coach, Javier Mendez, the lightweight champion, consistently engages in consistent activity and is willing to defend his belt regularly, giving him an edge over Jones in the rankings.
Coach Javier Mendez Weighs In on Islam Makhachev vs. Jon Jones in Pound-for-Pound Debate
In a recent interview with Hablemos MMA, coach Javier Mendez weighed in on the pound-for-pound debate between Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones, offering a candid comparison of the two champions. This was when he said;
“This is what I always say: How many fights does Jon Jones have in the last four years? Tell me. How many?”
“If you said six or seven, OK. But how many does he have? Two in four years.”
“No, you need to fight more than that (to be the pound-for-pound best). If Islam were to do the same, I’d put Jon Jones at No. 1 – but he hasn’t fought (as much). If he had been active, then it’s a different conversation – but he’s barely fought. That reason alone, I put Islam at No. 1.” (h/t MMA Junkie)
Mendez went on to highlight what he sees as the primary factor keeping Jones from claiming the top spot;
“Jon Jones fought Miocic, who was (42), and hadn’t fought in like four years, so he wasn’t the same. Jon Jones is supreme. He’s an excellent talent and has never lost in his whole life,”
“It’s tough to critique him because he’s fought everyone, but he just hasn’t fought much in the last four years.”
Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, is expected to return to the Octagon later this year, likely facing interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Negotiations between Jones and the UFC are reportedly ongoing to finalise the matchup.
Notably, Mendez was the longtime coach of Daniel Cormier, Jones’ fiercest UFC rival. The rivalry between Cormier and Jones remains one of the most heated in MMA History, adding intriguing later to Mendez’s perspective on the pound-for-pound debate.
Islam Makhachev Eyes Pound-for-Pound Supremacy Ahead of UFC 311
Islam Makhachev recently secured a victory over Dustin Poirier in the UFC 302 main event, marking his first title defence that didn’t involve Alexander Volkanovski. He originally claimed the lightweight belt by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 and has since risen rapidly in the pound-for-pound ranking.
Both Makhachev and Jon Jones have the chance to solidify their cases for the No. 1 pound-for-pound spot in the coming months. Meanwhile, Alex Pereira, who achieved three impressive wins in 2024, remains a stronger contender in the conversation.
Makhachev will have an opportunity to further separate himself in the pound-for-pound debate later this month at UFC 311. As 2025 approaches, the year promises to be another pivotal period for these elite fighters vying for MMA supremacy.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
