The latest UFC rankings have been updated following UFC 309 has ignited a fresh debate. This is due to Jon Jones still being unable to secure the number one position in the pound-for-pound rankings. The UFC’s pound-for-pound list has been a contentious topic throughout the year, with the UFC CEO Dana White repeatedly asserting that UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones deserves the number one spot.
After his triumphant return to the UFC octagon at UFC 309 last weekend. Jon Jones was able to deliver a statement performance by defeating Stipe Miocic. This is with Stipe being regarded as the greatest heavyweight in MMA history. Jon Jones was able to secure a third-round stoppage, which has further bolstered his case as the sport’s best. Despite this, the UFC rankings have remained unchanged, fuelling the discussion among fans and analysts.
Jon Jones Activity Level Fuel Debate Over Pound-For-Pound UFC Rankings
The critics have argued that Jon Jones’ relatively low activity level in recent years is the main reason he has not claimed the number one. This is despite his dominant victory against one of the best UFC heavyweights.
The latest UFC rankings were updated and released on Tuesday and Jon Jones is still outside the top spot. The current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev currently holds the number-one position. This is despite not competing since UFC 302 back in June 2024.
Meanwhile, the current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, has dropped down to third place. Known for his remarkable activity and knockout prowess, Alex Pereira has fought three times this year and has delivered three spectacular stoppages which have only solidified his reputation as one of the UFC’s most dynamic champions.
Ahead of his return back at UFC 309, Jon Jones had expressed interest in a potential fight against Alex Pereira. While doing this Jon Jones also dismissed interim heavyweight champion TOm Aspinall as less a less appealing challenge. Following the Performance and his failure to reclaim the pound-for-pound top spot, Alex Pereira shared his thoughts on the updated rankings and added his voice to the current ongoing debate.
Posting onto his Instagram Story Alex Pereira suggested Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev should switch places. Pereira suggested this when he said;
“With this change only I would be already happy”.
Dana White Slams Rankings Update
The UFC president Dana White has gone on to voice his frustration yet again over the pound-for-pounds rankings. This is particularly due to the placement of Jon Jones. Dana White has consistently hailed Jon Jones as the greatest fighter of all time. Following the latest update of the rankings, this saw Jon Jones move up to second but not top spot. This has got Dana White to express his anger in a fiery social media post. Throughout the year, Dana White has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current rankings system. Dana White has blamed the MMA media panel responsible for determining the rankings. He has repeatedly referred to the panel members as “clueless” and hinted at the need for significant changes. In an effort to try and resolve this issue, Dana White has floated the idea of using Artificial Intelligence to manage the UFC ranking systems. While the specifics have remained unclear, Dana White has teased the concept several times and has suggested it could offer a more objective solution to what he perceives as an ongoing problem.
While he was reacting to the latest rankings controversy, Dana White took to Instagram calling for tech entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg’s help to being able to implement the AI overhaul. Writing on his Instagram story Dana White commented by saying.
“I have to get rid of these CLOWNS!! Mark Zuckerberg, let’s get this AI deal done ASAP!!!”
Dana White has signalled his impatience with the current system and his eagerness to change it. The statement underscores Dana White’s determination to reshape the UFC‘s rankings process and his unwavering support for Jon Jones as the sport’s top fighter.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
