The TakedownSorry Khabib, Jon Jones is still UFC’s pound-for-pound No 1 – in rankings and cold, hard reality
- Nurmagomedov is a one-of-a-kind wrestler, but ‘Bones’ is a one-of-a-kind mixed martial artist
- Controversial light heavyweight champion has an asterisk next to his name but we’re talking greatest fighter, not greatest human
After completing a familiarly dominant mauling of Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi last weekend, Khabib Nurmagomedov had some simple words.
“I dominate all my opponents. I’m undefeated. I think I deserve some respect,” said the Russian, whose professional record ticked over to 28-0.
The lightweight champion’s resume is becoming increasingly impressive, with other equally one-sided wins against Conor McGregor, Al Iaquinta, Edson Barboza and Rafael dos Anjos.
Many fans argue the 30-year-old has lost just one round in his 12 UFC fights, too. And many will have nodded in agreement as Khabib added: “Put me on No 1 pound-for-pound fighter next week because I think I deserve this.”
Unfortunately for Khabib, the UFC’s updated pound-for-pound rankings had him staying at No 2 behind Jon “Bones” Jones (25-1) – the gatekeeper of all “GOAT” (greatest of all time) conversations.