Khabib Nurmagomedov Surpasses Jon Jones in UFC Pound-for-Pound Rankings

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s request has been granted.

As he announced his retirement in the Octagon following a second-round submission of Justin Gaethje in the UFC 254 headliner this past Saturday, Nurmagomedov asked that he be granted the No. 1 spot in the promotion’s pound-for-pound rankings. At the time, he was second behind Jon Jones.

“I know only one thing I want from UFC, you guys have to be me on No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, because I deserve this,” Nurmagomedov said after vanquishing Gaethje. “UFC undisputed, undefeated lightweight champion, 13-0 in UFC, [29-0] in all pro MMA career. I think I deserve it.”

Someone was listening, because as of Tuesday, “The Eagle” has surpassed Jones in the UFC’s latest pound-for-pound poll. The update didn’t escape Nurmagomedov, who reflected on the news in an Instagram post.

“It was work of my life, I never got anything easy, and nothing was given to me because I’m nice guy,” he wrote. “Hard work, hope for Allah and patience, this three ingredient helps me to get successful, and of course, control and advises from my Father, who invested in me a lot of time and work.”

Because the Dagestani announced his retirement, it’s unknown how long he’ll get to occupy the top spot before he is removed. Nurmagmedov was already No. 1 in Sherdog.com’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Jones, while he briefly conceded the pound-for-pound spot to Nurmagomedov, issued a video rebuttal to anyone considering the lightweight champion over him as the sport’s “Greatest of All Time.”

“Fifteen world championships to four,” Jones said. “And all you guys that are going with this, ‘He’s more dominant,’ argument? The guy just recently started fighting elite-level competition. Could you imagine me against the No. 10 ranked guy?”

View this post on Instagram

It was work of my life, I never got anything easy, and nothing was given to me because I’m nice guy. Hard work, hope for Allah and patience, this three ingredient helps me to get successful, and of course, control and advises from my Father, who invested in me a lot of time and work. - Это была работа всей моей жизни, я ничего не получил легко, и ничего мне не далось просто так. Упорный труд, Надежда на Аллаха и терпение, вот три качества которые мне помогли прийти к успеху и конечно же постоянный контроль и советы Отца, который вложил в меня очень много времени и труда.

A post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) on Oct 27, 2020 at 6:25am PDT