Jon Jones has long been heralded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. With over a decade of dominance, two divisional titles, and an unmatched skill set, his legacy in the sport is unquestionable. Yet, Dana White’s insistence that Jones is still the undisputed pound-for-pound (P4P) No. 1 fighter sparks a heated debate. The question is: does Jones’s recent activity justify his position at the top?
While the UFC’s partnership with IBM promises a more data-driven ranking system in the future, it’s worth examining whether White’s claim about Jones holds up when compared to other active champions. Here’s why Jones’s status as the P4P king isn’t as clear-cut as Dana White suggests.
Editorial Guidelines & Fact Checking: At The Viral Pink, we uphold stringent Editorial Guidelines to deliver accurate, reliable, and high-quality content. Our dedicated team of expert contributors rigorously fact-checks all information using credible sources before publication. We strive for transparency, accountability, and up-to-date content, ensuring our readers receive trustworthy information they can rely on.
Limited Activity: A Big Hurdle for Jon Jones
When evaluating pound-for-pound rankings, fighter activity is a significant factor. These rankings aren’t about lifetime achievements; they’re about who is the best right now. Jon Jones has only fought twice since 2020. For context, his first fight in over three years was in March 2023 when he defeated Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title. Since then, he’s competed just once more.
In contrast, fighters like Islam Makhachev have stayed busy, consistently challenging themselves against elite competition. Activity levels directly impact rankings because they reflect a fighter’s current abilities and dominance. Without frequent performances, it becomes harder to justify keeping Jones at the top of the P4P list, regardless of his historic achievements.
Alex Pereira’s Rapid Rise Challenges Jones’s Dominance
Few fighters have risen through the ranks as quickly and impressively as Alex Pereira. Since joining the UFC in 2021, Pereira has fought nine times, winning all but one. His knockout power has become a spectacle, earning him multiple “Performance of the Night” awards.
Pereira’s 2024 campaign was particularly extraordinary. He defended his title three times within the same year—an accomplishment Jones has never matched. Moreover, Pereira’s victories have come against top-tier opponents, including former champions, making his resume in a short span arguably more compelling than Jones’s recent inactivity.
The comparison is striking: while Jones’s early career had a similar burst of dominance, he hasn’t maintained that pace in recent years. Pereira’s consistent performances and ability to finish fights with dramatic knockouts make a strong case for his inclusion near the top of the P4P rankings.
Islam Makhachev: The True P4P Leader?
If recent activity and dominance are the criteria, Islam Makhachev emerges as the clear P4P leader. Since stepping into the spotlight after Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, Makhachev has carried the Dagestani legacy with incredible success. His record of 26-1 includes victories over elite fighters like Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Alexander Volkanovski.
In his two encounters with Volkanovski, Makhachev demonstrated his superiority. While their first fight was competitive, the rematch ended with a devastating head-kick knockout that left no doubt about his status as the best in the division—and arguably in the UFC as a whole.
From 2020 to 2024, Makhachev has fought eight times, finishing seven opponents. These numbers starkly contrast with Jones’s two fights in the same period. Makhachev’s consistency, dominance, and activity make him the rightful P4P king.
View this post on Instagram
Legacy vs. Current Performance: A Vital Distinction
Jon Jones’s legacy in MMA is unparalleled. As the youngest champion in UFC history, his list of accomplishments is unrivaled. However, P4P rankings are not about legacy—they’re about evaluating fighters based on their current form and recent performances.
The UFC landscape has evolved since Jones’s prime. Fighters like Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira have emerged as dominant forces, reshaping the narrative of the P4P rankings. To keep Jones at the top solely based on past achievements undermines the very purpose of these rankings.
Should Jon Jones Still Hold the P4P Top Spot?
Ultimately, Dana White’s claim that Jon Jones is the undisputed pound-for-pound king seems increasingly hard to defend. With just two fights in four years, Jones’s recent activity doesn’t match up to that of fighters like Islam Makhachev or Alex Pereira. Both have faced top-tier opponents regularly, delivered spectacular performances, and continued to evolve as champions.
While Jones’s legacy remains untouchable, the current P4P rankings should reflect recent performances. Based on these criteria, Islam Makhachev has earned his place at the top, with Alex Pereira not far behind.
FAQ: Common Questions About P4P Rankings in the UFC
1. What does pound-for-pound (P4P) mean in MMA?
Pound-for-pound rankings compare fighters across different weight classes to determine who is the most skilled and dominant, regardless of size or division.
2. Why is Jon Jones considered the greatest of all time?
Jon Jones is widely regarded as the GOAT due to his long reign as light heavyweight champion, record-setting title defenses, and his ability to dominate elite competition over a decade.
3. How often are UFC P4P rankings updated?
UFC rankings, including P4P, are typically updated weekly based on recent fight results and performances.
4. Who decides the UFC P4P rankings?
The rankings are determined by a panel of media members who vote based on fighters’ performances. However, the UFC’s new partnership with IBM aims to incorporate AI-driven analytics into the rankings process.
5. Can legacy influence P4P rankings?
While legacy can add context to a fighter’s career, P4P rankings focus primarily on recent performances and current activity.
