"Michael Jordan hasn’t played basketball in decades" - UFC cutman goes all out to defend Jon Jones' pound-for-pound status

Several fighters, including the likes of Khamzat Chimaev, and even UFC CEO Dana White have struggled to grasp the logic behind Jon Jones not leading the pound-for-pound standings. The rankings are determined by the votes of media members and White has engaged in fiery debates over Jones' position on the list.

Most recently, White lashed out at Jones' occupying the No. 3 spot on the rankings behind Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira. He labeled the list "stupid" and claimed that his position on the rankings was "undebatable."

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White's comments triggered an all-out debate in the MMA community. UFC cutman Brad Tate aligned with the faction contending that Jones should be ranked No.1 on the list. He served basketball legend Michael Jordan's status as a case point to affirm his stance. He commented under the Instagram post by ESPN MMA, writing:

"Michael Jordan hasn’t played basketball in decades and is still considered the GOAT and the best player ever. JBJ [Jon Jones] who has accomplished so much in MMA, and [is] still active and this is how he is treated. I got time today."

Tate doubled down on his claim when fans contended that the pound-for-pound rankings are based on current activity. He wrote:

"Don’t care JBJ is the GOAT and until he is beat he is P4P."

Check out his comments below:

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UFC cutman debates Jon Jones' spot on the pound-for-pound list [Images courtesy: @espnmma on Instagram]

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When Islam Makhachev fired back at Dana White for ranking Jon Jones above him in the pound-for-pound rankings

Islam Makhachev cemented his position as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC with the third defense of the lightweight throne against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.

However, at the post-fight press conference, Dana White disputed Makhachev leading the weight-neutral rankings, asserting that as long as Jon Jones is active, he holds the premier spot. White said:

"For anybody to call Islam the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world when Jon Jones is still f***** fighting is nuts and shouldn’t be ranking in the pound-for-pound or doing any of the f**** rankings ever. Jon Jones has never lost a fight ever, he’s fought all the baddest dudes in the world... He moved up to heavyweight and destroyed one of the best guys in the world. As long as Jon Jones is still fighting, active, and in the rankings, nobody is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”

Makhachev was asked to weigh in on White's comments at the post-fight press conference. He claimed that he helped save the UFC 302 card and said:

"I don’t know, maybe it’s just his opinion, but I think I saved this card today because all of these fights [were] boring; all of the arena almost [went to] sleep. We showed with Dustin a great performance; Dana gave me two bonuses – I remember when I have first contract, I was happy when I have bonus, but now it’s okay.”

Catch Makhachev's comments below:

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