{"id":642978,"date":"2025-11-20T06:50:54","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T05:50:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=642978"},"modified":"2025-11-20T06:50:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T05:50:59","slug":"islam-makhachev-speaks-out-after-reclaiming-top-pound-for-pound-spot-from-ilia-topuria-after-ufc-322","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/islam-makhachev-speaks-out-after-reclaiming-top-pound-for-pound-spot-from-ilia-topuria-after-ufc-322\/","title":{"rendered":"Islam Makhachev Speaks Out After Reclaiming Top Pound For Pound Spot From Ilia Topuria After UFC 322!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pound-for-pound rankings spark endless debates among MMA fans constantly. Who deserves the top spot changes with every major card. Some believe championship defenses matter most when evaluating greatness. Others prioritize dominance and finishing ability over longevity at the top. The UFC’s official rankings committee adjusts these lists after significant events. And Islam Makhachev just reclaimed the top spot again!<\/p>

Ilia Topuria held the number one position before UFC 322 this past weekend. The lightweight champion earned that spot through an impressive knockout victory at UFC 317. But Makhachev had other plans. The Russian moved up to welterweight and dominated Jack Della Maddalena completely. His performance was so convincing that the rankings committee had no choice.<\/p>

Islam Makhachev Reacts To Being Back On Top<\/h2>

Makhachev (28-1<\/a>)didn’t just win the welterweight championship last weekend. He climbed back to the summit of the pound-for-pound rankings simultaneously. The former lightweight and current welterweight king looked absolutely flawless in his divisional debut. Any questions about his ability at 170 pounds got answered. He controlled Della Maddalena for five complete rounds without breaking a sweat. 3 days after the fight, Makhachev posted a picture on his Instagram with the message that showed his personality perfectly. <\/p>

“A bit of a perfectionist – I love it when everything is in its place.” <\/em><\/strong><\/p>

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A post shared by Islam_Makhachev (@islam_makhachev)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>