about 2 hours ago

Alexandre Pantoja Snubs Ilia Topuria, Picks Islam Makhachev as Pound-for-Pound No. 1

Flyweight champ Pantoja (30-5) dismissed Topuria’s new No. 1 pound-for-pound status, instead naming Makhachev as his top pick. “For second place, Merab, Ilia, and even myself,” he added. Makhachev (27-1) has echoed that view, claiming UFC boosted Topuria (17-0) for publicity. Currently ranked fifth, Pantoja insists he deserves higher recognition as he eyes a legacy alongside the sport’s elite champions.