Khabib Nurmagomedov has surpassed Jon Jones on the UFC’s pound-for-pound list and the former number one is far from happy.
Following the Eagle’s dominant victory over Justin Gaethje on Saturday night at UFC 254, the lightweight champion took his professional record to 29-0 and then sailed off into the sunset, retiring from MMA.
After the second round submission of the Highlight, Khabib announced that it was his last fight and made just one request: that he would be considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
The UFC has now updated their rankings with the Dagestani sitting at the top and he is thrilled to have completed his career goal.
‘It was work of my life, I never got anything easy, and nothing was given to me because I’m nice guy,’ he wrote on Instagram. ‘Hard work, hope for Allah and patience, this three ingredient helps me to get successful, and of course, control and advises from my Father, who invested in me a lot of time and work.’
Jones is not impressed and does not see how Khabib can have toppled him at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
Bones feels his 15 world title fights (14 wins and one No Contest) easily outstrips Khabib’s achievements, with the Eagle winning all four of his UFC title fights.
‘I’m talking to all you Khabib fans out there,’ said Jones. ’15 world titles to your guy’s four??? And, you guys are really talking about who’s the best fighter ever? You guys are joking, right? 15 to four. Are you guys kidding me?
‘And, all you guys who are going with this, “he’s more dominant” argument, [Khabib] just recently started fighting elite-level competition. Could you imagine me against the #10 ranked guy?’
‘The only person that could possibly come back and challenge my record and what I’ve done in the UFC is possibly Georges St-Pierre,’ said Jones.
‘He would have to come back and win tie championship fights to tie me, and I’m not even retired yet! I’m 33 years old. I’ve got a whole ‘nother chapter to go through. You guys are nuts.’
Jones had actually said he was happy for Khabib to have the number one spot on the pound-for-pound list after Saturday night, although claims to retake it by winning the heavyweight strap.
‘Until I take that heavily crown, I grant you the spot. Enjoy Champ,’ he tweeted.
Jones vacated his light heavyweight title and is moving up to heavyweight, with plans to fight for the title next year, although whether he takes on another opponent first is yet to be decided.
