Javier Mendez, the coach of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, has stirred the pot in the MMA community by questioning Jon Jones’ pound-for-pound status. According to Mendez, Jones’ inactivity in recent years leaves him unable to claim the top spot, paving the way for Makhachev to reign supreme in the UFC rankings.
Islam Makhachev’s consistency: A model for pound-for-pound supremacy
Javier Mendez, speaking on the Hablemos MMA podcast, made a bold case for why his fighter, Islam Makhachev, should be recognized as the pound-for-pound best. “How many fights does Jon Jones have in the last four years?” Mendez asked. “Two. That’s it. You need to fight more than that to remain at the top.”
Makhachev, on the other hand, has been nothing short of a workhorse. He has defended his lightweight title multiple times and faces yet another tough challenge against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in January. “The pound-for-pound conversation is about now. I’m not saying Jon isn’t the greatest of all time, but Islam is the current pound-for-pound best,” Mendez clarified.
Jon Jones: The GOAT, but is his reign slipping?
Jon Jones’ career has been the gold standard in mixed martial arts. From his early dominance in the light heavyweight division to his recent heavyweight title victory over Ciryl Gane, Jones has built a legacy few can match. However, in the last four years, he has only fought twice—a stark contrast to the activity level of fighters like Makhachev.
This lack of activity has raised questions about Jones’ relevance in the pound-for-pound conversation. While his accolades cement his position as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), the pound-for-pound rankings are a measure of current performance, not historical dominance. Mendez emphasized this point, stating, “If [
Javier Mendez, the coach of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, has stirred the pot in the MMA community by questioning Jon Jones’ pound-for-pound status. According to Mendez, Jones’ inactivity in recent years leaves him unable to claim the top spot, paving the way for Makhachev to reign supreme in the UFC rankings.
Islam Makhachev’s consistency: A model for pound-for-pound supremacy
Javier Mendez, speaking on the Hablemos MMA podcast, made a bold case for why his fighter, Islam Makhachev, should be recognized as the pound-for-pound best. “How many fights does Jon Jones have in the last four years?” Mendez asked. “Two. That’s it. You need to fight more than that to remain at the top.”
Makhachev, on the other hand, has been nothing short of a workhorse. He has defended his lightweight title multiple times and faces yet another tough challenge against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in January. “The pound-for-pound conversation is about now. I’m not saying Jon isn’t the greatest of all time, but Islam is the current pound-for-pound best,” Mendez clarified.
Jon Jones: The GOAT, but is his reign slipping?
Jon Jones’ career has been the gold standard in mixed martial arts. From his early dominance in the light heavyweight division to his recent heavyweight title victory over Ciryl Gane, Jones has built a legacy few can match. However, in the last four years, he has only fought twice—a stark contrast to the activity level of fighters like Makhachev.
This lack of activity has raised questions about Jones’ relevance in the pound-for-pound conversation. While his accolades cement his position as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), the pound-for-pound rankings are a measure of current performance, not historical dominance. Mendez emphasized this point, stating, “If [ Makhachev] fought as little as Jon Jones, I’d put Jones at No. 1, but that’s not the case.” For Mendez, the essence of the pound-for-pound debate lies in recent accomplishments and consistency inside the octagon.
The stakes at UFC 311: Makhachev’s opportunity to solidify his position
Makhachev’s upcoming clash against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 is poised to be a defining moment in his career. Tsarukyan, a relentless contender with a reputation for stamina and grit, represents one of the toughest challenges Makhachev has faced since securing the lightweight belt. A dominant victory would not only solidify Makhachev’s reign in the lightweight division but also strengthen his case as the undisputed pound-for-pound king.
Meanwhile, Jon Jones remains on the sidelines, with a potential return to action tentatively scheduled for 2025. A rumored bout against rising heavyweight star Tom Aspinall could serve as a platform for Jones to reclaim his pound-for-pound crown, but the extended absence has left many wondering if he will ever return to the form that once defined his career.
Legacy vs. activity: What defines the pound-for-pound best?
The pound-for-pound debate has always been a contentious topic in MMA, pitting historical dominance against present-day performance. While Jones’ legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time is secure, his lack of recent activity has opened the door for fighters like Makhachev to claim the top spot. For fans and analysts alike, the question remains: Should the pound-for-pound title prioritize legacy or current performance?
As Makhachev continues to build his resume with consistent performances against elite opponents, the tide seems to be shifting in favor of the lightweight champion. Whether Jones can return to the octagon and remind the world of his greatness remains to be seen, but for now, the pound-for-pound crown appears to be Makhachev’s to lose.
