Fans have disagreements regarding the result of the Islam Makhchev vs Alexander Volkanovski fight but many agree that the bout was a certified banger. While Volk has still somehow managed to hold on to the #1 position in the pound-for-pound ranking, Michael Bisping thinks the position belongs to an OG of the sport.
Speaking on his Youtube channel the former Middleweight champion said, “Who is the pound-for-pound number one? … That is the big story. Recently, we had UFC 284… number one pound-for-pound against the number two… A lot of rankings still have Alexander Volkanovski as the pound-for-pound number one (even though he lost)…”
“Volkanovski is still, against Islam, probably pound-for-pound a better fighter… (But), I don’t think Alexander Volkanovski is the pound-for-pound number one on the planet,” he dropped the bombshell.
“That title belongs to a man that returns next week to the Octagon. Of course, I’m talking about Jonny ‘Bones’ Jones. He’s been out of action for a while, three years away from the Octagon. We know this. But that’s the guy,” he added.
“That’s the guy who’s run roughshod over the light heavyweight division for years, generations, taking out champion after champion. We’re splitting hairs here, because they’re all good… However, Jon Jones, when you look at what he’s done… You can’t deny the man,” he continued.
Why Michael Bisping may be wrong?
There are a lot of factors to consider here. While it is true that Jones was a force to be reckoned with during his heyday, he also was criticized for a lot of his controversies. We should remember that Bones got suspended for failing the drug test and got stripped of his title.
He also had a lot of bad performances and close fights against the likes of Alexander Gustafsson, Dominic Reyes, and, Thiago Santos. If Jones manages to pass the drug test and beat Cyril Gane then we can perhaps start a conversation in favor of him.
Until then, Makhachev should be the #1 ranked P4P fighter in the world.
