Islam Makhachev’s manager claims Jon Jones isn’t top five P4P fighter: "Islam right now is the best"

The discussions surrouding Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev's competition for the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world have yet to subside. Prior to Jones' return to action against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on Nov. 16, UFC CEO Dana White was steadfast that 'Bones' is the No. 1 P4P in the world.

But there were many objections to White's claim, most of which pointed to the lack of activity of the two-division champion. Since Jones' light heavyweight title win against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, he has only competed twice. Makhachev, meanwhile, has fought eight times in that period.

White's main reason for labeling Jones as the P4P king is due to him having never lost an MMA fight beyond a controversial disqualification. The lightweight champion, on the other hand, was knocked out cold by Adriano Martins in 2015 at UFC 192.

Ahead of Makhachev's title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, his longtime manager Ali Abdelaziz discussed the current P4P picture during an interview with Kevin Iole.

Abdelaziz said:

"Listen, Dana all the time says Jon Jones is the pound-for-pound best. I think Dana's wrong... Islam finished nine of his last 11 opponents. He beat the No. 1 P4P, the No. 3 P4P guy; he beat everyone who is really good in their prime."

He continued:

"In [Jones'] time, he was the P4P [best]. If you say all-time, he might be the greatest [of] all-time. But right now, I don't think [Jones] is top five. You can't beat Ciryl Gane and beat Stipe and be in the top five... Islam right now is the best."

Catch Ali Abdelaziz's comments below (7:58):

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Arman Tsarukyan picks P4P best between Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones

Islam Makhachev's upcoming opponent, Arman Tsarukyan, has shared his thoughts on the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. With Jon Jones long having held that title, his recent years of inactivity has given rise to a crop of new fighters who have replaced 'Bones' at the P4P summit.

But the American's re-introduction into the competitive fold has seen him once again enter debates about the P4P No.1 fighter in the world.

Ahead of Tsarukyan's clash with Makhachev at UFC 311, he was interviewed by ESPN MMA and was asked to pick the P4P best fighter in the world. He said:

"In my opinion he's number two pound-for-pound, because number one is Jon Jones. For me, personally. [Makhachev] is number two. But for sure, in [the] 155 [pound division], yeah he's the pound-for-pound [best]."

Catch Arman Tsarukyan's comments below (9:55):