Islam Makhachev believes he has surpassed Jon Jones in greatness with Alexander Volkanovski fight
Islam Makhachev made his case for why he thinks he has surpassed Jon Jones in terms of greatness in the UFC. Mkahachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 with a unaminous decision victory.
Since his pay dispute with UFC President Dana White in May 2020, Jones has been on an extended hiatus and has vacated the UFC light heavyweight title. Prior to that, Jones picked up a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. He was the pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC at the time.
years ago today, Jon Jones scored a narrow (controversial?) win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Afterward, Jones was asked about moving to heavyweight and had this to say.
bit.ly/40RYpQC3️⃣ years ago today, Jon Jones scored a narrow (controversial?) win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Afterward, Jones was asked about moving to heavyweight and had this to say.
(Things have changed.)
Fight photos 📷 bit.ly/40RYpQC https://t.co/8nGY6rOJFQ
Following his lightweight title defense at UFC 284, Islam Makhachev may replace Alexander Volkanovski as the best in the world in the updated pound-for-pound rankings next week. In light of this, Makhachev shared his thoughts on why he thinks he is greater than Jones at the post-fight press conference. He said:
"You know why? Jon Jones is a great fighter. He is the best but last time he won like split decision.... he always has hard fights. I don't think after this fight he's going to be best. I'm best right now because I beat the best fighter in the world. That's why I deserve this more."
Similar to Makhachev, many people seem to believe that Jon Jones has lost some of the explosiveness that made him so popular in the UFC in the first place. At UFC 285, however, he will face Ciryl Gane, giving him the chance to put an end to those narratives and make a strong comeback.
Catch Makhachev's comments below (12:00):
Islam Makhachev reunites with Charles Oliveira backstage following UFC 284 victory
Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira shared a beautiful moment backstage following the main event of UFC 284 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Makhachev won the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280 against Charles Oliveira with a dominant second-round submission victory. However, his first title defense was far from a cakewalk and Alexander Volkanovski put on a resolute performance against the Dagestani.
Following his UFC 284 victory, Islam Makhachev had a heartwarming interaction with his former rival Charles Oliveira. A translator communicated a few words from 'do Bronx' to the Dagestani before they shook hands and exchanged hugs.
Check out the video below:
When questioned about the next contender for his title in the aforementioned post-fight media interview, Islam Makhachev answered:
"Real contender, not fake, a couple of guys are going to show now for a fake fight but I need a real contender. I showed why I'm number one, you like or you don't like I am the best fighter in the world right now."