Sean O’Malley Suggests Another UFC Star is Equal to Islam Makhachev in Pound-for-Pound Rankings

UFC 316 headliner Sean O’Malley contends that the summit of the pound-for-pound rankings is shared by more than one elite fighter.

Within the world of mixed martial arts and the UFC, few subjects generate as much ongoing discussion and debate as the pound-for-pound rankings.

Recently, the primary focus of this conversation has been centered on the claims of Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones. Despite Makhachev`s prolonged and dominant reign as lightweight champion, UFC President Dana White initially favored Jones for the top spot.

This changed after UFC 311 in January, following Makhachev`s victory over Renato Moicano, when White altered his stance and placed Makhachev at number one.

Given that `Bones` has defended his heavyweight title only once in over two years and is currently contemplating retirement, Makhachev`s status as the top P4P fighter has largely seemed secure.

However, Sean O`Malley holds a different perspective.

Sean O’Malley Ranks Ilia Topuria Alongside Islam Makhachev in the UFC’s P4P Debate

O’Malley recently appeared on MightyCast, the podcast hosted by UFC and ONE Championship legend Demetrious Johnson.

During the discussion, which also included a preview of O’Malley’s UFC 316 rematch against Merab Dvalishvili, the two fighters explored various other significant topics in the MMA landscape.

Among these topics was Makhachev’s speculated move to welterweight, which has led to suggestions that the Dagestani fighter is deliberately avoiding a challenge for the lightweight belt from the undefeated Ilia Topuria.

O’Malley himself has been mentioned as a potential future opponent for Topuria, and `Sugar` clearly has a very high opinion of the Spaniard, viewing him as being on the same level as Makhachev in the pound-for-pound discussion.

Speaking about a potential fight, O`Malley said, “I was just picturing Ilia going up to fight Islam. That was kind of the fight I wanted to see. That was a big fight feel for me. That was huge.”

He further elaborated on his ranking belief, stating, “Both those guys are number one and one, both tied I think for pound-for-pound best in the world.”

Ilia Topuria is Currently Ranked Two Spots Below Islam Makhachev in the Official UFC P4P Rankings

Before Topuria can achieve his ambition of becoming the undisputed P4P king, the former featherweight champion must first surpass Jon Jones to secure the second position.

‘El Matador’ solidified a spot within the top three thanks to his impressive 2024 campaign, which saw him defeat Alexander Volkanovski to claim the UFC featherweight title and finish Max Holloway in his initial defense.

Nevertheless, this has controversially not elevated him above Jones, whose only heavyweight title defense since his 2023 win over Ciryl Gane was against the now-retired Stipe Miocic in November 2024.

Here is a look at the current official UFC Pound-for-Pound rankings:

Topuria has an opportunity to improve his standing further at UFC 317 on June 28, where he is set to headline International Fight Week in a bout for the vacant lightweight title against Charles Oliveira.

Makhachev, conversely, is anticipated to have the chance to solidify his number one ranking by challenging Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship later in the year.