White: Makhachev now pound-for-pound No. 1 over Jones

UFC CEO Dana White is finally willing to admit Islam Makhachev is the best in the world.

After Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano in his fourth lightweight title defense Saturday at UFC 311 in Los Angeles, White said he believes the Russian has surpassed heavyweight champion Jon Jones as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the promotion.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll give it to him," White said at the postfight press conference. "Are you happy? Is everybody happy now he's the pound-for-pound (No. 1)?"

Makhachev made quick work of Moicano, tapping him out with a D'Arce choke in the first round of the main event. Moicano stepped in on one day's notice for Arman Tsarukyan, who withdrew Friday due to a back injury. Moicano, ranked No. 10 in the division, was originally scheduled to face Beneil Dariush on the card.

White said he decided to promote Makhachev to No. 1 on his personal pound-for-pound list because the champion had no problem with facing a new opponent and performed well.

"Islam was willing to fight anybody," White said. "He stayed active. And he went out tonight and performed the way a guy should on a short-notice fight when you are the best in the world and you're the champion."

Makhachev broke the record for most title defenses in UFC lightweight history (four), surpassing his coach Khabib Nurmagomedov and three other former champs. White said he "100%" considers Makhachev the greatest 155-pound fighter of all time.

"There's no doubt about it," White said. "He's the pound-for-pound best in the world right now, and he's definitely the best to ever do it in that division."