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Islam Makhachev’s Top 5 UFC Fighters Ranked
This upcoming weekend, in the main event of UFC 322, Islam Makhachev will aim to become just the 11th fighter in UFC history to win world titles in two separate divisions. The dominant Russian, who earlier this year broke the record for most consecutive lightweight title defences in the promotion’s history, vacated his title at 155lbs back in June after revealing his intention to become a two-weight world champion and move up to welterweight.
Makhachev will not only look to take Jack Della Maddalena’s welterweight title at UFC 322, but he will also look to reclaim his number one spot in the official male pound-for-pound rankings. Although he wasn’t defeated for his lightweight title, Makhachev was knocked off top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings by Ilia Topuria, after he also replaced him as lightweight king by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
The pound-for-pound debate is understandably a big topic of conversation coming into UFC 322, and the Russian has had his own say on who deserves to be ranked number one. During a recent appearance on Adin Ross’ Kick stream, Makhachev ranked his top five active pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC, and it is fair to say his selections are controversial and have caused a stir in the MMA world.
5
Ilia Topuria
Professional MMA record: 17-0
Although Ilia Topuria currently sits at the very top of the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings, on Islam Makhachev’s version, he places much lower in fifth. The undefeated Spaniard definitely has the accolades to back up being ranked number one. However, with the two currently being locked in a high-profile feud, it seems Makhachev’s judgement may have been clouded by his personal dislike for Topuria.
‘El Matador’ became just the 10th fighter in UFC history to win titles in two separate divisions this summer when he knocked out Charles Oliveira. It was that victory which catapulted him to the top spot in the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings, replacing Makhachev. Topuria may occupy the top spot for now, but if the Russian is victorious at UFC 322, he will almost certainly leapfrog him back to number one.
4
Alexander Volkanovski
Professional MMA record: 27-4
In his 28-fight career so far, Islam Makhachev has only faced the same opponent multiple times once, and that man is Alexander Volkanovski.
Although Makhachev made easy work of the Australian in their second fight, the first fight was a modern-day back-and-forth classic, which some people thought Volkanovski won. Having gone a gruelling five rounds with him at UFC 284, Makhachev clearly has a lot of respect for ‘The Great,’ hence why he features in his top five pound-for-pound rankings.
After suffering back-to-back devastating KO defeats to both Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, many fans completely wrote Volkanovski off from ever doing anything in the sport again. However, back in April at UFC 314, ‘The Great’ became a two-time featherweight champion at the age of 36.
3
Tom Aspinall
Professional MMA record: 15-3-1 (NC)
Arguably, the most surprising inclusion in Islam Makhachev’s top five pound-for-pound rankings in the UFC right now is Tom Aspinall, who sits at number three. Although the Brit is undoubtedly an incredibly talented fighter, his inclusion has caused a stir online, as he currently probably has the weakest championship accolades amongst active male UFC champions.
As previously mentioned, although Aspinall is extremely talented and holds the undisputed UFC heavyweight title, he is yet to successfully defend it, and through no fault of his own, didn’t win the title in an undisputed title fight. If the heavyweight champ can go on to dominate the division with the belt wrapped around his waist, he will, of course, work his way up the UFC’s official rankings, but he has quite a way to go yet.
The Brit’s inclusion has been met with quite a bit of negativity, but that is probably mostly down to the fact that his underwhelming UFC 321 main event against Ciryl Gane is still fresh in fans’ minds.
2
Alexandre Pantoja
Professional MMA record: 30-5
There have been many underrated and underappreciated champions throughout the UFC’s history, and reigning flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja certainly falls under both of those categories. The Brazilian’s incredible ability is clearly appreciated and recognised by Islam Makhachev, which is great to see, as the flyweight division never gets as much love as it deserves from fans.
Pantoja, to many, is still quite a long way off becoming the greatest flyweight in UFC history, as Demetrious Johnson‘s accolades in the division are quite simply astonishing. However, he is making a strong case for being one of the greatest lighter-weight fighters of all time, and will undoubtedly further his case if he defeats Joshua Van at UFC 323 in what could be his fifth consecutive successful title defence.
1
Islam Makhachev
Professional MMA record: 27-1
It shouldn’t really come as a surprise that Islam Makhachev has backed himself as the UFC’s current pound-for-pound number one. Although some people will no doubt class this as arrogance from the Russian, he held the top spot in the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings for well over a year and was only replaced due to vacating his undisputed lightweight title.
Prior to vacating his undisputed UFC lightweight title, Makhachev broke the record for the most consecutive defences in the division’s history. During his run as champion, the Russian managed to defeat all-time greats such as Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira, who were both high in the official pound-for-pound rankings at the time, which makes his claim to be number one even stronger.
If Makhachev manages to defeat Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and become the new welterweight champion, he will not only more than likely leapfrog Ilia Topuria back to number one, but he may also be considered as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in MMA history.
After early reports suggested FIFA were set to announce a change to the kick-off time for England’s match against Mexico on Sunday night, bringing the fixture forward by six hours, there has been a new update. Preparations for the World Cup Round of 16 tie have hardly gone according to plan.
For the Three Lions, pre-match preparations have revolved around finding ways to deal with the challenges posed by the altitude, as well as their opponent’s imperious home form, which has seen them lose just twice across their previous 89 matches at the Azteca Stadium. Meanwhile, off the pitch, they have been trying to keep the location of their hotel under wraps to avoid the same disruptions Ecuador experienced as fans ambushed their base before their Round of 32 clash.
Both the Mexican and English governing bodies were then left baffled on Friday evening by reports in local media that their match would be played at midday in Mexico City, meaning temperatures of 35 degrees would give Thomas Tuchel’s side even more food for thought. Thunderstorm forecasts were initially given as the reason, but uncertainty around the whole fiasco quickly ensued.
Fresh Update Emerges Amid Rumours of England vs Mexico Time Change
According to Ben Jacobs, the original kick-off time stands, meaning it will remain a 1am kickoff in the UK. Theories around why the speculation around a major change to fixture scheduling include the BBC and ITV wishing to have a more favourable broadcasting time, to some suggestions that security issues had played a role.
While the suggested time change would have suited fans at home, it would not have suited England nor those travelling to watch the match live. Temperatures would have had an adverse effect on the players, while those who booked flights for the morning of the match would have faced a race against time to make it to the stadium in time.
The final decision means Keir Starmer’s emergency UK law change also remains intact, with pubs across the country allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday morning.
Thomas Tuchel Prepares For His Toughest Challenge As England Boss
Speculation around the proposed time change grew to such an extent that England players and staff were grilled on what it could mean for their preparations, with the FA allegedly furious at being ‘left in the dark’ by FIFA throughout the saga. But now that things have been cleared up, Thomas Tuchel can block out the outside noise and focus on his toughest challenge as England boss to date.
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He will be counting on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to deliver the goods once again, but will also hope his team have started to build some momentum heading into their fifth match of the tournament. That’s the biggest scrutiny he currently faces as the Three Lions can look disjointed at times – but a win is a win at the end of the day, and getting past Mexico on their own soil would surely get the country behind him.
Should they progress to the quarter-finals, it would set up a match against the winner of Brazil vs Norway. Their likely opponents in the semi-finals would be France, where they are expected to play for an opportunity to dethrone Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
FIFA landed themselves in hot water for its disorganisation amid uncertainty over when England‘s Round of 16 clash with Mexico at the World Cup will take place.
The round-of-16 match at the Estadio Azteca had initially been scheduled for 6 pm local time (1 am BST). Rumours surfaced online that FIFA were looking to move the game to 7 pm BST due to a risk of weather disruption.
The game has now been confirmed to go ahead as planned with a 6 am kick-off. That’s despite floods and thunderstorms being forecast, which led to discussions over moving the game forward by six hours.
Huge claim over FIFA changing England vs Mexico kick-off
It’s now being reported that weather concerns weren’t the only reason FIFA were preparing to make a change. There is talk in Mexico of a change to the kick-off time due to discussions between British broadcaster BBC and FIFA.
Mexican sports executive Pepe Hanan claims that the schedule change was due to a “negotiation between the BBC and FIFA.” He suggested that television coverage played a role in the potential new kick-off time.
Hanan said that neither the English nor Mexican FA “had anything to do with it” and that they weren’t asked for their opinions. The kick-off time prompted outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow pubs to stay open until 5 am on Monday morning.
The BBC took their time reporting on the potential change during coverage of Egypt’s win over Australia on Friday evening. They have since refuted claims in Mexico about their alleged involvement and said the corporation “was not involved in these discussions.”
For Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions, the situation is a massive distraction as they prepare for a daunting trip to the Azteca. While a U-turn hasn’t occurred, it has evidently left the FA looking for answers ahead of a crucial World Cup game.
Marcus Rashford on kick-off uncertainty
Marcus Rashford insisted England weren’t thrown off by the possibility of a kick-off time change and that they remained focused on the game. The Three Lions forward, who started in his nation’s 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the previous round, explained how it doesn’t affect Tuchel’s camp:
“It doesn’t matter. It’s a game of football at the end of the day. It doesn’t change our outlook on the game and what we’re trying to do.”
The same can’t be said for England fans who are attending the game, as their travel plans may have been thrown into disarray. FIFA didn’t officially confirm a new kick-off time but reports indicate that there had been a real possibility of them doing so.
There have also been concerns about safety ahead of the match after four fans lost their lives following Mexico’s win over Ecuador in the Round of 32. Mass celebrations involving one million fans in Mexico City led to fatalities, and President Claudia Sheinbaum warned supporters about drinking and to avoid packed gathering spots.
Arsenal and Liverpool will both likely be competing for similar players in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners and Liverpool are both competing in the Champions League next season, so they have the offer of European football to attract players.
Arsenal might feel they have an advantage over Liverpool in the race to sign some stars due to the fact that they reached the Champions League final and won the Premier League last term.
Both sides are still incredibly attractive as long as they remain in Europe, with the attraction of playing in the Premier League also a huge factor for players.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal are in the market for midfield additions this summer, and the Gunners could now be ahead in the race to sign one star.
Arsenal Storm Ahead of Liverpool
According to a report from TeamTalk, Arsenal are prepared to loan midfielder Ayoubb Bouaddi back to the French club in the summer transfer window if they secure his signature.
The Gunners are keen on signing Bouaddi alongside the likes of Liverpool, but they both face plenty of competition.
Arsenal are ahead of Liverpool in the race as Lille might not be happy with the latter’s stance. Liverpool are unconvinced by the idea of loaning Bouaddi back to Ligue 1.
Bouaddi also has interest from around Europe, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
If a club like Arsenal is willing to sign Bouaddi and send him back on loan for the season, while Liverpool isn’t, it’s obvious that the French club would prefer him to move to the Gunners.
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Liverpool Could Regret Decision
Liverpool could regret the decision not to allow Bouaddi to return to Lille on loan as part of a deal in the summer transfer window.
If that is the only way of securing his signature ahead of other clubs, then the Merseyside outfit should be considering doing so.
Arsenal and other clubs appear happy to remain patient in the race for Bouaddi, who has been described as ‘elite’, which could result in Liverpool missing out on the player.
Either way, it looks set to be a competitive race for Bouaddi’s signature in the summer transfer window, with a host of clubs pushing to sign him.
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