Islam Makhachev (image via UFC/Twitter)

By FCF Staff

As it stands right now, Jon Jones remains ranked as the UFC’s number one, pound-for-pound fighter. But, according to Daniel Cormier, no one can argue that Islam Makhachev doesn’t hold that position following UFC 294.

Makhachev faced Alexander Volkanovski at the recent event, and emphatically defended the lightweight title by finishing the renowned fighter in the opening round. Makhachev floored Volkanovski with a head kick and then prompted the fight’s stoppage with follow-up punches.

The two also fought earlier this year, and Makhachev won the competitive fight via decision.

More recently, Cormier weighed in on what transpired at UFC 294 via his YouTube channel. While doing so, the former champ-champ argued there can be no doubt that Makhachev is the sport’s number one, pound-for-pound fighter (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“Nobody anticipated this result,” Cormier said. “But Islam went and did it. We talk about pound-for-pound, we talk about being the best, and I think tonight Islam Makhachev showed that he is the best because I feel like he beat the best. I say that because of the respect that I and so many others have for Alexander Volkanovski.

“Alexander Volkanovski is a savage and the way Islam beat him tells you that he is the best in the world.”

Makhachev is currently ranked #2 in the UFC’s P4P rankings and Volkanovski is #3. The latter stepped in on short notice for the UFC 294 headliner, after Charles Oliveira was forced to withdraw due to a cut.

UFC 294 took place on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.