The debate over who holds the title of the UFC’s pound-for-pound best has been a hot topic among fans and fighters alike. However, Dana White isn’t shy about where he stands—Jon Jones is his clear pick. When asked about the greatest fighter in the world during a DWCS press conference, the UFC CEO didn’t mince words. “Look at the numbers. Are you guys seriously that fu—ng stupid? There’s no way you can’t see Jon Jones is the best,” White fired back at reporters.

Despite White’s strong stance, the official rankings tell a different story. According to the panel responsible for those rankings, it’s Islam Makhachev who deserves the top spot. And now, Makhachev’s manager has finally decided to address the UFC head honcho’s bold claims.

Ali Abdelaziz clears his stance on Dana White’s disagreement regarding the best

Jon JonesIslam MakhachevHe said, “Dana’s right about a lot of things, but [in this case] Dana’s wrong. But Dana’s also a great promoter. What he can promote about Jon Jones? Nothing. [Jones is] an old guy who’s been hiding. He is using Islam Makhachev to promote Jon Jones. Islam doesn’t need Jon Jones to be promoted. You know why Islam is being promoted? [It’s because of] the amount of hard work and dedication, and the finishes and the performance you know he’s done. Right? Islam doesn’t care for pound 4 pound he only cares about beating people’s a**.” 

The idea of

“Dana White privilege” has long been a talking point in the UFC. Some fighters argue that it’s real and that the UFC president shows favoritism toward certain athletes. Islam Makhachev has weighed in on the debate, sharing his own experience. According to Makhachev, he had to overcome the lack of that so-called privilege to finally secure his shot at the title.

Islam Makhachev opens up on his journey towards getting a title shot in the UFC

Islam Makhachev has solidified himself as one of the most dominant champions in the UFC today, boasting three title defenses and an almost perfect professional MMA record. It’s no surprise that he holds the top spot in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. But his journey to the top wasn’t easy. Makhachev didn’t just have to defeat his opponents inside the cage—he also had to push past the well-known “Dana White privilege” that many believe exists in the promotion.

In a conversation with Demetrious Johnson on his YouTube channel, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev shared that it took a 10-fight winning streak for him to finally earn a title shot. Makhachev believes his limited English skills played a role in the delay, suggesting that the language barrier may have kept him from getting his opportunity sooner. He said, “Big way—10-fight win streak. 10-fight win streak. That’s why I told, after the last, before the belt, I told everybody, ‘Now I think I have the key for the title shot’, you know? Because I have a 10-fight win streak.”  

Well, Islam Makhachev has a tough task ahead of him as he defends his title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. The challenger is confident that he will walk out as the new champion. Can Islam Makhachev defend his title once again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.