You gained’t catch Jon Jones complaining about his new spot within the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings — however Dana White is one other story.
Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion and former gentle heavyweight champion, was again in motion in the primary occasion of UFC 309 final Saturday in New York Metropolis. He entered the Octagon with a repute as one of many prime pound-for-pound fighters competing right this moment — even at 37 years previous. He in the end cemented that repute with a dominant, third-round TKO win over former heavyweight king Stipe Miocic.
A number of days after the cardboard, the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings had been up to date, and Jones made a slight bounce from No. 3 to No. 2, displacing reigning gentle heavyweight champ Alex Pereira, and settling simply behind the No. 1-ranked Islam Makhachev.
Whereas Jones hasn’t at all times taken effectively to solutions that he isn’t the best fighter alive at any given second, he appears fairly happy together with his No. 2 spot, given his age.
Being ranked quantity 2 pound per pound at 37 years previous, I’m pleased with that. ☀️
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 19, 2024
“Being ranked quantity 2 pound per pound at 37 years previous, I’m pleased with that,” the heavyweight champ wrote on X.
Whereas Jon Jones seemingly has no concern together with his spot within the UFC rankings, the promotion’s CEO Dana White isn’t taking the scenario as effectively.
White, who has made it clear he considers Jones the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter competing right this moment, has not too long ago taken umbrage with the promotion’s rankings, that are decided by panel of media members.
The newest replace triggered one other outburst from the UFC boss, who threatened to scrap the rankings panel, and change them with AI rankings with the assistance of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
“I’ve to eliminate these CLOWNS!!” White wrote in his Instagram story. “Zuck, let’s get this AI deal completed ASAP!!!!!”
Jones’ victory over Miocic introduced him to 2-0 as a heavyweight, after claiming the vacant belt with a fast submission of Ciryl Gane in his debut within the division final yr.
The widespread hope is that he’ll defend his belt towards interim champ Tom Aspinall subsequent.
