In a significant endorsement from one legend to another, former UFC champion Jon Jones has openly declared current welterweight king Islam Makhachev as one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history. Jones made these remarks during an interview in Thailand, which was shared by Red Corner MMA in early January 2026.
High Praise from the Heavyweight Legend
When directly asked to rank Makhachev on the list of all-time greats, Jon Jones did not hold back. He stated that the Russian champion undoubtedly belongs among the sport's elite, citing his recent dominant performances inside the Octagon as clear evidence. This praise came just days after Makhachev successfully defended his title at UFC 322 in late 2025, where he overpowered challenger Jack Della Maddalena with his signature control and precision.
"I think Islam is definitely one of the greatest fighters of all time. He is one of the guys for sure," Jones told the outlet. He elaborated further on what makes Makhachev special, expressing no surprise at his current run of dominance. "No, I'm not surprised he is dominating the competition. He is a special athlete. Some guys are just chosen to do great things, and I think he is one of those guys," Jones explained.
A Legacy of Mutual Respect
The admiration between these two champions is a two-way street. This history adds profound weight to Jones's recent comments. The late, legendary coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of Khabib Nurmagomedov, had once labeled Jon Jones as the greatest fighter MMA had ever seen. Now, Jones is returning that high regard to Abdulmanap's protégé and fellow Dagestani star.
Jones also shared his excitement for Makhachev's future, stating, "I'm excited to watch the rest of his career. He is doing everything right, and he is one of the guys in the sport I respect very much." This comes at a time when Jones himself is plotting a comeback, eyeing a potential fight on a rumored UFC event at the White House, though UFC CEO Dana White has been cautious following previous scheduling delays.
The Shift in Pound-for-Pound Supremacy
For years, Dana White consistently named an active Jon Jones as the undisputed pound-for-pound number one fighter. Jones's near-flawless record and title reigns across two weight classes, with 12 total defenses, justified that claim. However, a pivotal moment occurred at UFC 311 in late 2025 in the United States. On that night, Islam Makhachev submitted replacement opponent Renato Moicano in the very first round.
Following that decisive victory, the UFC boss was asked if Makhachev had now claimed the mythical pound-for-pound crown. White's answer marked a shift. "Yeah, yeah. I'll give it to him," White said at the post-fight press conference. He credited Makhachev's activity and willingness to fight anyone. "Islam is willing to fight anybody. He stayed active and performed the way a guy should when you're the best in the world."
Since that endorsement from the promotion's head, Makhachev has continued to build his legacy with calm, methodical dominance and quick finishes. This consistent excellence has elevated his status not just among fans, but crucially among his peers, culminating in the ultimate recognition from a figure like Jon Jones.
