Islam Makhachev is debated a lot by people related to the UFC. They have discussed a lot about whether they accept the new pound-for-pound champion or not. At present, the lightweight titleholder, Islam Makhachev, holds the top spot.
Different important people have different views about pound for pound. Despite many influential figures, such as Dana White and Chael Sonnen, having different opinions, Daniel Cormier fully supports the champion from Dagestan. White has openly criticized the group responsible for placing Islam above Jon Jones. On the other hand, Joe Rogan is completely different from the others. Joe Rogan has mentioned a few other contenders.
DC said, “It’s gonna still be Makhachev, for me. Just because I don’t know when he’s gonna fight. Chael, if he doesn’t fight by the end of the year, I imagine he’s gonna fight in Abu Dhabi, in October.”
Sonnen and Cormier discuss Islam Makhachev
On June 12, 2024, during the filming of ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy,’ Sonnen and Cormier ended up discussing the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. DC asked ‘The Bad Guy’ who he thought would be at the top of the list by year’s end.
Sonnen was supporting Alex Pereira, which was different from other people’s choices. To the former heavyweight champion’s surprise, Sonnen picked Alex Pereira, saying the Brazilian would become so powerful and skilled that other fighters would refuse to face him.
Cormier was a previous heavyweight champion. He was convinced that Islam Makhachev would maintain his position at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. This assumption was based on the possibility that the Dagestani fighter might not compete this year. If Islam Makhachev does choose to fight, it will likely be when the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi.
Dana White and others different views on the champion
Meanwhile, UFC CEO Dana White has something different that he brings to the table. He shared his thoughts on the pound-for-pound rankings. As he has often done, White praised Jones, insisting that he deserved the number one spot. This sparked curiosity among fight fans about the process behind creating the P4P list. This is when Joe Rogan stepped in to clarify the matter and mention his sentiments.
On the other side, the UFC CEO shared his take on the pound-for-pound rankings. As he does mostly, White praised Jones and mentioned that he should be on the top and stay P4P. This increased the curiosity among fans about how the P4P list is determined. That’s when Rogan stepped in to shed some light on the matter.
During the JRE Fight Companion on June 22nd, Brian Simpson asked the UFC color commentator about how the rankings are determined. Rogan explained that a panel of media members is responsible for deciding the rankings, a process that happens periodically.
Joe Rogan’s suggestion for different champions
Joe Rogan doesn’t disagree with the decision made by the team about Islam Makhachev. The decision to make him pound for pound. Although he mentioned that he rarely disagrees with the rankings. Rogan explained, “Based on who’s winning, it’s voted on. It’s based on the experts, [they] are deciding, like the press… They’re the best rankings we currently have available and most people agree on them.”
He suggested that Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson, and Jones would all be great choices to be selected for the top pound-for-pound spot. He also expressed strong support for the Dagestani holding the number one position. Rogan explained, “Based on who’s winning, it’s voted on. It’s based on the experts, [they] are deciding, like the press… They’re the best rankings we currently have available and most people agree on them.”
Do you think Cormier is right about Islam Makhachev staying at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings by year-end? Is there another fighter you believe should claim the number one spot? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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