Sean O'Malley says UFC star is 'tied' with Islam Makhachev as the pound-for-pound number one

UFC star Sean O`Malley, who headlined UFC 316, believes the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings isn`t occupied by just one fighter.

The discussion around who deserves the title of the best fighter across all weight classes is one of the most frequent debates in mixed martial arts and the UFC.

For a while, the P4P discussion often focused on Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones. UFC President Dana White initially favored Jones despite Makhachev`s strong lightweight reign. However, White later indicated a shift towards Makhachev, especially given Jones` limited activity since winning the heavyweight belt in 2023 and recent hints of retirement. Makhachev`s status at the top has seemed secure to many.

However, Sean O`Malley offers a different perspective.

Sean O’Malley Puts Ilia Topuria Level with Islam Makhachev in UFC P4P Debate

The bantamweight star recently appeared on “MightyCast,” the podcast hosted by UFC and ONE Championship legend Demetrious Johnson. The pair discussed various MMA topics, including O`Malley`s upcoming fight against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316.

Among the topics was the potential matchup between Makhachev and the undefeated featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, a fight that has gained significant interest. O`Malley, who has previously been mentioned as a potential opponent for Topuria, expressed high regard for the Spaniard and believes he is currently on par with Makhachev in the P4P rankings.

O`Malley stated, “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 added, “Both those guys are number one and one, both tied I think for pound-for-pound best in the world.”

Ilia Topuria Sits Below Islam Makhachev in Official UFC P4P Rankings

Currently, Ilia Topuria is ranked below Islam Makhachev in the official UFC pound-for-pound rankings, sitting two spots lower. To reach the top spot, Topuria would need to climb past Jon Jones, who is currently ranked number two.

Topuria, nicknamed ‘El Matador’, earned his high ranking by becoming the UFC featherweight champion with a knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski in 2024. Despite this dominant performance, his placement below Jon Jones has been a point of debate, particularly given Jones` limited fight schedule since securing the heavyweight title in 2023.

Topuria aims to strengthen his claim for a higher P4P ranking by remaining active and defending his featherweight title. Meanwhile, rumors persist about Islam Makhachev potentially moving up to challenge for the welterweight title, a move that would undoubtedly impact the pound-for-pound landscape and the view of the P4P summit.