Former MMA Fighter and Analyst Chael Sonnen has joined the growing number of competitors and observers who think Islam Makhachev prevailed at UFC 302 despite facing his most challenging bout. Sonnen was so impressed with the victory that he compared the champion to UFC legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre (GSP).
Since the UFC frequently uses exaggeration, Islam Makhachev seemed to be drowning in it after his third title defense. Since he started fighting, Islam Makhachev has been surrounded by the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. Sonnen and DC talked about the champion and the unique traits that set him apart from Khabib Nurmagomedov in a recent episode of The Good Guy/Bad Guy.
Sonnen compares Islam Makhachev to fighters like GSP, Anderson Silva, and Bj Penn, saying,
When host Daniel asked Sonnen if the latter feels he is watching greatness whenever Islam fights in the Octagon, the former MMA fighter responded,
“Yes I do Daniel, and it comes from an iron will, it comes from grit….There’s something really quiet frightening about that.”
What Makes Islam Makhachev The Pound-For-Pound Fighter Over Jon Jones?
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The main event of UFC 302 last week saw Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) submit Dustin Poirier to win his third championship defense. UFC CEO Dana White asserted during the press conference following the bout that Jon Jones, the current heavyweight champion and a former longstanding light heavyweight champion, should rank first pound-for-pound over Makhachev.
Having lost to Makhachev twice, Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) believes that the recent strength of the schedule must influence the argument. In an interview with Submission Radio, Volkanovski recently discussed his position on Makhachev’s case and the pound-for-pound debate.
“You look at Jon Jones, alright, we get it, you’re going to say he’s the greatest fighter of all time. But pound-for-pound…I think there has to be some activity there,” Volkanovski said of Makhachev vs. Jones. “Who you’ve fought lately? Islam [Makhachev]’s fought some great fighters and he’s won, so you’ve got to give him a lot of credit for that. I think he’s pound-for-pound [No. 1].”
Jones defeated Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 and hasn’t competed since. His first heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic was scheduled for UFC 295; however, he had to withdraw due to an injury.
In the pound-for-pound rankings, Makhachev and Jones are the only fighters ranked #1 and #2, respectively. Still, Volkanovski believes his old opponent should be awarded the title because of his persistent efforts to stay in the game. Jones might surpass him when his UFC comeback takes place later in 2024.
Also Read: Shannon Sharpe Strictly Against Conor McGregor Fighting “Animal” Islam Makhachev
