Dissatisfied with the weight-for-pound ranking, Makhachev elevates Pantoja and ignores Topuria in the UFC

Makhachev backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/islam_makhachev

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Islam Makhachev is unhappy with the UFC's pound-for-pound ranking. This Saturday (15), in New York (USA), the athlete seeks not only to become the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) against Jack Della Maddalena , the title holder. For the Russian, changes need to be made urgently to the select list that brings together the best fighters in the organization across all categories.

In a conversation with YouTuber Adin Ross, Makhachev revealed what his ideal pound-for-pound ranking would be. First, the Russian states that he should return to the top spot. Currently, he is in second place, behind Ilia Topuria . Furthermore, Islam also points out that Alexandre Pantoja , the dominant flyweight champion (up to 57 kg), deserves to be well above his current fifth place, overtaking his Georgian rival.

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“I would change the pound-for-pound rankings. Back to the number one spot. This week, we're going to change it. Me, Pantoja, Aspinall, and Volkanovski, for sure. That's four? And Topuria,” said the MMA legend.

Currently in the top 5 pound-for-pound

In the UFC, the leader of the ranking table that brings together the best fighters across all weight classes is Ilia Topuria . Below the Georgian are Islam Makhachev , Merab Dvalishvili , Khamzat Chimaev , and Alexandre Pantoja , in that order.

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