Ali Abdel-Aziz, the manager who guides Islam Makhachev’s career, has openly questioned Russia’s position in the UFC’s most recent rankings. He argued that what he sees as a ranking anomaly constitutes another perceived injustice in the sport’s merit system. Abdel-Aziz pressed that Islam should sit higher than the current top spot, suggesting that the update failed to fully reflect the fighter’s achievements and consistency in competition (TASS).
In the latest rankings update, Makhachev rose to No. 2, moving ahead of Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski while Jon Jones from the United States remained at No. 1 in the heavyweight division. This shift has intensified the ongoing conversation among analysts and fans about how rankings account for recent performances, overall dominance, and the subtle nuances that influence public perception of legitimacy in title contention (TASS).
At UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev delivered a dominant performance by stopping Volkanovski in the opening round during the main event. The victory marked his second consecutive defense of the title and added another significant chapter to a high-stakes rivalry with Volkanovski. The win solidified Makhachev’s standing as a top contender for future bouts within the division, underscoring his continued relevance in the championship picture (TASS).
That clash followed their February 2023 meeting at UFC 284 in Perth, where Makhachev earned a unanimous decision after five intense rounds, further tilting the head-to-head balance in his favor. The consistency of his results across venues and occasions has become a recurring theme in discussions about his career trajectory and entrenched position in the sport’s hierarchy (TASS).
With a current ledger showing 26 professional fights and 25 victories, Makhachev’s career reflects a pattern of sustained excellence and growth. Analysts and fans alike highlight his meticulous preparation, versatile fighting approach, and ability to capitalize on opportunities inside the cage as central drivers of his ongoing success. These elements contribute to debates about how greatness is defined and measured in mixed martial arts as the sport evolves (TASS).
Across various media conversations, Makhachev is widely acknowledged for his achievements across multiple promotions and major events. As his professional journey moves forward, discussions about his place in the sport’s historic rankings remain a focal point for fans and commentators who are keen to understand the criteria used to evaluate greatness in MMA. The dialogue reflects broader questions about ranking methodologies, performance benchmarks, and the evolving landscape of competition within the UFC and beyond (TASS).