These days, everyone seems to have a podcast, from actors and YouTubers to athletes. UFC stars are no exception, with names like Renato Moicano and Michael Bisping leading the trend. Similarly, Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo host their podcast, “Pound for Pound.” However, Islam Makhachev, the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, jokingly called them out, saying they needed his permission to use the name, adding a hilarious touch to the podcasting buzz.
Athletes diving into podcasts isn’t new, and Islam Makhachev recently joined Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel ahead of his fight against Arman Tsarukyan. During their chat, Islam touched on various topics, including Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, naming their podcast “Pound 4 Pound.” He humorously claimed they’d have to shut it down unless they got his permission, given his status as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.
In his words, “We not agree with this. You don’t have permission. You have to close, or call us we give you permission.” Islam jokingly added he might forgive Usman and Cejudo for using the “Pound for Pound” podcast name if they upload his conversation with Demetrious Johnson to their YouTube channel.
Islam Makhachev tells Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo that they need his permission to name their podcast “Pound 4 Pound” 😭
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 7, 2025
“We not agree with this. You don’t have permission. You have to close, or call us we give you permission.”
🎥 @MightyMouse #UFCpic.twitter.com/n5MR4pDNCR
It was all in good fun, and Islam doesn’t actually mind them keeping the name. Outside the octagon, the UFC lightweight champion shows his hilarious side, often roasting stars like Daniel Cormier and joking about lighthearted topics like this.
Javier Mendez Backs Islam Makhachev As P4P No. 1
The debate over the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter continues, with Team Khabib’s head coach Mendez backing Islam Makhachev as the rightful choice. Mendez pointed out that Makhachev has fought six times in the past four years, while Jon Jones has only competed twice. He explained that consistent activity is key, making Makhachev the better fit for the top spot.
He said, “No, you need to fight more than that (for pound-for-pound best). If Islam were to do the same, I’d put Jon Jones at No. 1 – but he hasn’t fought (as much). If he had been active, then it’s a different conversation – but he’s barely fought. That why, that reason alone, I put Islam at No. 1.”
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Additionally, Khabib’s former coach also claims that Islam faced top fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier, while Jon Jones fought a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic. Consequently, the debate continues, though, as Dana White still believes Jones is No. 1, showing how opinions on the matter can be biased.
Also Read: Islam Makhachev Wins 2024 Best Submission Of The Year UFC Honor For Dustin Poirier Victory
