Islam Makhachev has added fuel to the social media fire between himself and Jon Jones.
The UFC welterweight king is undeniably one of the best fighters to ever grace the octagon. His dominance over two divisions has been nothing short of spectacular. Capable of smothering opponents with his elite grappling or knocking them out on the feet with his underrated striking, the Dagestani is dangerous everywhere. The 34-year-old is one of the greats. But alongside himself and other legendary talent, Makhachev doesn’t believe Jones should be in that conversation.
Islam Makhachev cited Jon Jones’ alleged PED use and failed drug tests, provoking a response from Jones. The former two-division UFC champion quickly shut down the criticism, contrasting his own almost-unblemished record in the cage against Makhachev’s past knockout defeat.
With both men saying their peace, the disagreement can be forgotten about and both parties can move on. But that isn’t the case. Islam Makhachev continued his attack on Jon Jones in a post targeting the legend’s history of bending the rules throughout the 16 years he spent in the spotlight.
“Jon, I’m not trying to diminish your achievements in any way,” Makhachev wrote on X. “But your whole life seems to be tied to breaking the rules one way or another, and somehow, you’re never the one to be blamed.”
Jon, I’m not trying to diminish your achievements in any way. But your whole life seems to be tied to breaking the rules one way or another, and somehow, you’re never the one to be blamed.
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) September 15, 2026
Jon Jones did struggle with being thrust into superstardom, making many mistakes during his early years after becoming a UFC champion.
The infamous hit-and-run, several drunk driving arrests, an alleged domestic battery case, and an assault charge have clouded his name over the past decade. Jones has had many problems outside of the cage, but inside, he’s been almost flawless.
Love him or hate him, his ability under the bright lights is among the best. Despite their past troubles, Dana White has been unwavering in his belief that Jones is the greatest fighter to walk the planet in any discipline, proving just how elite he was up to and throughout his prime years inside the octagon.