From: officialflagrant
The debate surrounding pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings in the UFC is a constant point of discussion, often intensified by high-profile fights and controversies. The recent bout between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski brought these discussions to the forefront, touching upon alleged rule violations and the very definition of P4P supremacy.
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski: Allegations and Impact
The fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski generated significant controversy, particularly regarding allegations of Makhachev using an IV for rehydration after weigh-ins [01:06:00].
- IV Use Allegations: Images circulated showing a bruise on Makhachev’s arm, consistent with an IV insertion point [01:06:43]. A video from the UFC’s “Embedded” series also reportedly showed this wound, which appeared after the weigh-in and before the fight [01:07:31] [01:12:20].
- Nurse Rumors: There were circulating rumors that the woman who administered the IV had spoken to people, claiming she performed the procedure [01:08:02] [01:12:13].
- UFC Rules on IVs: The UFC prohibits rehydration with an IV, considering it a performance-enhancing method due to its ability to rapidly restore depleted body fluids, impacting cardio and chin strength [01:07:00] [01:09:49].
- Suspension Implications: A confirmed IV violation carries a two-year suspension [01:10:15].
- Dan Hooker’s Comments: Fighter Dan Hooker tweeted about the allegations, questioning the feasibility of getting an IV in Australia without being discovered [01:14:26].
- Impact on Performance: Using an IV provides a “huge advantage” to fighters who cut significant weight, as it helps restore cardio and the ability to withstand punches [01:10:00] [01:13:51].
- Fight Outcome: The fight was a close decision, with many, including Joe Rogan, scoring it for Volkanovski [01:12:21] [01:13:38]. Volkanovski displayed “pure class” and sportsmanship after the fight, even quieting the crowd who booed Makhachev’s victory [01:13:57].
“Volk looks like it’s the first [expletive] round yeah like he’s the smaller guy who couldn’t be out wrestled couldn’t be choked out all the things that Islam has just absolutely dominated people doing and he’s like this [expletive] is not to be played with and Islam gave it up to him” [01:14:20]
The Nuance of Pound-for-Pound Rankings
The outcome of the Makhachev-Volkanovski fight also intensified the ongoing debate about what truly defines a “pound-for-pound” champion.
- UFC’s Stance: The UFC attempted to label Islam Makhachev as the “pound for pound number one” after his victory [01:14:44].
- Critique of P4P Claim: There’s an argument that a fighter does not become P4P number one by defeating a smaller opponent. True P4P status is often seen as being earned by moving up a weight class and achieving dominance [01:15:50] [01:16:09].
- Volkanovski’s P4P Solidification: Despite the loss, Volkanovski’s performance in a higher weight class, where he faced a larger opponent and pushed him to the limit, solidified his status as P4P [01:18:20].
- Definition of P4P: P4P is described as an “opinion” that favors smaller fighters, aiming to determine “the best person if we look at all fighters almost equally” regardless of weight [01:20:28]. Success in moving up weight classes “proves your dominance” but is not a strict requirement [01:20:09].
- Origins of P4P: While the UFC now has an official P4P ranking, the concept is believed to have originated from “barbershop type [discussions]” [01:20:41].