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Russian MMA fighter Makhachev climbs to second place in UFC Pound-for-Pound Top Rankings

Topping the rankings of UFC fighters is Reigning Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones of the United States in the No. 1 spot

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. Russia’s Islam Makhachev, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Reigning Lightweight Champion, has climbed to second place in the UFC Pound-for-Pound Top Rankings, which encompass all weight categories of UFC fighters.

In taking second place, the Russian fighter ousted Australian fighter Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski. Makhachev and Volkanovski faced off against each other last Saturday at the UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, where the Russian defended his championship belt, defeating his opponent with a knockout in the opening round.

Topping the rankings of UFC fighters is Reigning Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones of the United States in the No. 1 spot.

Commenting on the new ranking list, a spokesman for the Russian fighter’s team told TASS that Makhachev should have been put in the first place.

"Islam must have topped the list," the spokesman said. "It is not quite clear what else he has to do to achieve it. He keeps defeating all of his opponents."

"We respect Jon Jones, but rankings are compiled based on the present-day results," he added.

Reached by a TASS correspondent on Tuesday, Makhachev also voiced his disappointed with the published rankings list.

"I don’t understand who is compiling these rankings and for what purpose," the fighter said. "I have already defeated Volkanovski in the past, when he was No. 1 in the rankings, and I was not placed in the top at that time. Why I am not in the top now? I am not surprised at this anymore, but I do not understand what it takes to be in the first place."

Asked about possible dates for his next bout, Makhachev said the fight be expected to take place next spring.

"The next tournament, which I can take part in before Ramadan, will be organized in March. So we will see," the Russian fighter said.

Makhachev, 31, boasts a record of 25 wins (five by KO/TKO, 11 by submission, nine by decision) and one defeat. His opponent in last week’s bout, Volkanovski, 35, boasts a career fighting record of 26 wins (13 by KO/TKO, three by submission, 10 by decision) and three defeats.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the world’s largest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotional event, featuring the world’s top-ranked fighters. Numerous Russian fighters take part in UFC competitions.

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