Islam Makhachev makes heavy accusation against UFC after P4P snub
Islam Makhachev recently weighed in on the controversy surrounding Alexander Volkanovski maintaining his pound-for-pound No.1 spot despite losing to the Dagestani lightweight champion at UFC 284. Makhachev opened up about the updated rankings and claimed he was not surprised by the decision.
The 31-year-old grappling maestro had 'The Great's pound-for-pound No.1 spot in his sights going into their super fight in Perth. Makhachev even put his lightweight strap on the line against Volkanovski as a condition for the fight. However, the pound-for-pound rankings remained the same while he successfully defended his belt.
The updated pound-for-pound rankings following UFC 284 https://t.co/HMleDPRuGp
In a recent interview uploaded by Red Corner MMA on YouTube, Islam Makhachev spoke to the media in Makhachkala, Dagestan, about his feelings for not being given the pound-for-pound top spot.
"As for the rankings, I never expected justice. I still don't. Take Magomed Ankalaev or Petr Yan, that's how they treat us. What matters to me is that I traveled 8000 miles, beat their local champion there, and got my hand raised up. Then came home with the belt and my head up."
Watch the full interview below:
Alexander Volkanovski undoubtedly put Islam Makhachev through the toughest test of his career. After their intense five-round war, Makhachev won a highly debated unanimous decision. 'The Great' claimed afterward that there needed to be an immediate rematch to settle any doubts.
Daniel Cormier explains why Islam Makhachev is not P4P No.1 despite beating Alexander Volkanovski
Daniel Cormier recently weighed in on Islam Makhachev being denied the top spot in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings. He explained why Alexander Volkanovski is still ranked No.1 in the updated rankings.
Makhachev secured a hard-fought victory against the UFC featherweight champion at UFC 284 in Perth. Going back and forth for five enthralling rounds, the judges decided to award the lightweight champion with the decision. However, many believed that Volkanovski was more deserving of the judges' nod in the closely-contested fight.
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old Dagestani was denied the No.1 spot in the pound-for-pound rankings, and Daniel Cormier believes it's because Volkanovski could successfully translate his fighting style in a new weight class.
On a recent episode of ESPN MMA's DC & RC podcast, Cormier explained why Volkanovski retained his No.1 spot despite losing to Islam Makhachev:
"...Because pound-for-pound says, 'Does your fighting style translate between weight classes?' It showed on Saturday that his [Volkanovski's] fighting style does translate between weight classes... The new rankings come out today. And guess who's still number-one pound-for-pound? Alexander Volkanovski; even though he lost."
Watch the full episode below: