Jon Jones

Anthony Smith doesn't think Islam Makhachev will be No. 1 on the pound-for-pound list for long.

“As far as his movement on his feet, his stance switches, I think that he’s probably more powerful. There’s bigger names that are easier with bigger paychecks ,and I think he has his toughest fight on his hands right now.” Instead, he’ll face off with Gane, whose only loss in his career came to Ngannou back in early 2022; Gane has since bounced back with a knockout win over [Tai Tuivasa](https://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/4270/tai-tuivasa). “I think Islam needs to hold on to that No. [Islam Makhachev](https://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/3279/islam-makhachev) was quick to declare himself the new No. [Anthony Smith](https://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/1091/anthony-smith), his place atop those rankings might already be at risk.