UFC 254: Jon Jones mocks Khabib Nurmagomedov asking for pound-for-pound No 1 spot

Khabib Nurmagomedov asked “only one thing” of the UFC after announcing his shock retirement, demanding the No 1 spot in the UFC’s updated pound-for-pound rankings next week.

And it seemed at first that Jon Jones (26-1, one no contest) was willing to figuratively step aside at the top – for now.

“Until I take that [heavyweight] crown, I grant you the spot,” the former light heavyweight king tweeted. “Enjoy Champ.”

The 32-year-old Nurmagomedov (29-0) submitted Justin Gaethje (22-3) to wrap up his third lightweight title defence before walking away from the Octagon for good.

“I want to say it was my last fight, and no way I’m gonna come here without my father,” said the Dagestan native. His father and coach Abdulmanap died aged 57 in July because of complications stemming from contracting the coronavirus.

“I know only one thing I want from the UFC,” he added. “Tuesday you guys have to put me on number one pound-for-pound in world because I deserve this. UFC undisputed lightweight champ, 13-0 in the UFC, 29-0 in my pro MMA career. I think I deserve.”

Though “Bones” originally seemed willing to accommodate Nurmagomedov’s wish, the 33-year-old American did stress his own worthy credentials.

“Fifteen world titles, numbers don’t lie,” he added in a series of tweets. “I want to congratulate Khabib for an outstanding career. I know he made his father along with millions of fans around the world incredibly proud today. May God continue to bless him on his journey.

“Definitely a powerful moment, but my logic is definitely not clouded.”

But he later returned to Twitter and appeared to change his tone, seemingly mocking Nurmagomedov for asking for the pound-for-pound No 1 spot.

“I’m just going to ask for the heavyweight championship belt and see if they give it to me. Since we can just ask for things now,” Jones tweeted.

Jones vacated the light heavyweight title in August after confirming he would move up to the UFC’s heavyweight division. Jan Blachowicz (27-8) beat Dominick Reyes (12-2) at UFC 253 last month to become the new 205-pounds champ.

In a tweet he quickly deleted, Jones said: “Some guy walks into your house and simply asks to have your baby, you tell him it doesn’t work that way and the whole world screams let him have his moment.”

“I ask why should he just be handed a goat status, people tell me I should just let him have his moment. ‘Unfortunately his moment’ is associated with my life‘s work,” Jones continued.

Jones insisted “there really isn’t” a debate over who the pound-for-pound No 1 is, adding “I may not have 20 million followers but my journey continues. The records will keep stacking”.

“When I signed with UFC I was one of the youngest fighters on the roster, youngest champion in the history of the sport and have only had three competitive fights,” he later added.

“I mean if I get out ranked by a man with only three title defences, I don’t really know what to think anymore.

“People want me to stay quiet and let him have his moment while I just sit back and watch my hard work get moved down the rankings. It’s not fair to my family, or the team of people who have sacrificed to get me this far.

“If we’re having a popularity contest, I’d gladly take my L. This s*** has nothing to do with fame or being a good person. I’ve given my whole adult life to this game, I owe it to myself to speak up.

“The saddest thing about this situation is that the company is probably going to honour his request and demote me. It will be insulting but not much of a surprise. I’ll just use it as motivation.”