Russian promoter Kamil Hajiyev commented on the UFC’s decision to leave Alexandra Volkanovski in first place in the ranking of the best fighters, all weight categories, despite the defeat of Islam Makhachev .
After the fight with Volkanovski (25-2) at UFC 284, the Russian fighter, who won a five-round decision, expected to rise to first place among the best fighters, regardless of the category of weight. Despite the announcement of this event on UFC social networks, Makhachev (24-1) did not become the first number, remaining in second place behind Volkanovski. Briton Leon Edwards is third on the list.
— I wouldn’t be surprised if the p4p notation is a mathematical formula. Perhaps this formula assumed that a quick victory for Islam would mean ascending to first place. The judges’ decision victory left everything as it was. I think math is important, and fighters could score points and Volkanovski had some margin for points scored. And this win (by judges’ decision) just wasn’t enough to catch Volkanovski in this ranking.
– There is an opinion that only three people influence the rating: Dana White, Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard.
“I think they’re still guided by a mechanism. And 100%, with certain figures, the opinion of the most important people becomes decisive. But they need something to rely on. It seems to me that there is basic mathematics, and then they go back to this story.
– Volkanovski’s opposition to Islam Makhachev: Chad Mendes and Jose Aldo, three times Max Hoolway, Korean Zombie and Brian Ortega. Islam Makhachev’s rivals: Drew Dober, Dan Hooker, Thiago Moises, Bobby Green and Charles Oliveira. It looks like a big difference in favor of Volkanovski.
– Well, yes, and we have to respect the fact that Volkanovski defended his belt four times in weight. And Islam only won. It seems to me that Islam’s first place in the p4p ranking is only a matter of time. He will take it anyway.
– Would revenge affect anything or do you want new challenges?
– And the new challenges are interesting to watch, and at the same time I would watch another fight between them. There will be a lot of analysis for the next fight, but I will consider Islam the favorite by a decent margin. Because he as a fighter reached a new level here,” Hajiyev told .
The ranking of the best UFC fighters, regardless of weight class, is published on the organization’s official website and takes into account the overall skill level of the fighters. For a long time, the champion of the category up to 93 kg, John Jones, took the first position, and Khabib Nurmagomedov, Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya also took the first place.
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Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
