Jon Anik still sees Islam Makhachev in a class of his own.
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) challenges welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 322 (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+/FX, ESPN+) main event at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Makhachev is a sizable favorite, which surprises Anik. However, based off of the former UFC lightweight champion’s achievements, Anik thinks Makhachev should have never lost his No. 1 pound-for-pound spot to current 155-pound champ Ilia Topuria.
“I’m fascinated by the betting line, if you can’t tell,” Anik told Fox Sports Australia. “I don’t understand why it’s so demonstrably wide, but Islam deserves his flowers, you know. As far as I am concerned, you don’t lose your pound-for-pound No. 1 status outside the octagon, so for me, he’s still the king until proven otherwise.”
The UFC’s play-by-play commentator will be calling Saturday’s fights so he can’t give an official predication. He did however give a brief breakdown.
“I believe in Jack, but I believe in his ability in transition and his grappling ability in theory figures to be tested like never before,” Anik said. “But on the feet, as much as we want to put accolades at the feet of Islam Makhachev, I don’t think any of these guys at 170 pounds want to hang around on the feet too long with Jack.”
