Pound-for-Pound Rankings Shakeup: Makhachev Reigns Supreme, Jones Slips to Second

The January update to the pound-for-pound rankings has brought major shifts, with Islam Makhachev solidifying his position as the undisputed No. 1 fighter on the planet. UFC 311 served as the perfect stage for Makhachev to remind everyone why he stands atop the MMA world. Facing a last-minute opponent switch from Arman Tsarukyan to Renato Moicano just 30 hours before the fight, Makhachev didn’t flinch. Instead, he delivered a dominant performance, leaving no room for doubt about his place in the rankings.

Dana White, who had long championed Jon Jones as the top pound-for-pound fighter, finally conceded that Makhachev has claimed the throne. “I just admitted I’m giving it to him,” White said, acknowledging the lightweight champion’s grit and dominance. He even went a step further, declaring Makhachev the greatest lightweight to ever compete in the UFC.

This shift marks a significant moment, as Jones now moves to the No. 2 spot, a position he hasn’t occupied in years. For Jones, whose legacy as a pound-for-pound great spans over a decade, the fall to second reflects the undeniable momentum Makhachev has built.

Movers and Shakers in the Rankings

While Makhachev held steady at the top, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili made a strong case for himself this month. Facing Umar Nurmagomedov, Dvalishvili weathered an early storm and turned the tide with relentless pressure and an unmatched pace, earning him a climb in the rankings.

This rise comes at the expense of other contenders who now find themselves slipping in the hierarchy. Fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Leon Edwards, who have been staples near the top, now face added pressure to maintain their positions as new contenders continue to shine.

What’s Next for Makhachev and Jones?

Makhachev’s dominance begs the question of what challenges remain for the Dagestani phenom. With lightweight contenders struggling to bridge the gap, the focus shifts to potential superfights or cross-division matchups.

For Jon Jones, who still commands respect as a generational talent, his path forward might involve reclaiming his spot by securing decisive victories in heavyweight title defenses.

The pound-for-pound rankings are ever-changing, but one thing is clear: as we kick off the new year, Islam Makhachev has not just taken the throne—he’s redefining what it means to be the best in MMA.