Dana White Defends Jon Jones as the Current Pound-for-Pound King
UFC CEO Dana White has been a vocal advocate for two particular points over the past year, and he’s not backing down from his stance. The first is his unwavering opinion on who the current pound-for-pound best fighter in the world is. The second is his firm belief that Jon Jones deserves the opportunity to face Stipe Miocic, regardless of other contenders. These passionate discussions unfolded recently at the UFC Apex during Dana White’s Contender Series 69.
The GOAT Debate Ignites
During a recent press scrum following Dana White’s Contender Series 69, the UFC CEO found himself in a spirited exchange with reporters, most notably veteran journalists Kevin Iole and John Morgan. The conversation quickly turned to the perennial question of who holds the title of the greatest fighter of all time, with White firmly planting his flag on Jon Jones. When pressed by Iole about Jones’s past, a moment that drew some chuckles, White retorted with a smile, questioning the reporter’s own perception. „Are you really that naive to think Jon Jones isn’t the best fighter in the world and the GOAT? Or maybe you are?“ he quipped, kicking off a more in-depth discussion that stretched for over eleven minutes. This wasn’t just a casual remark; White clearly sees Jones’s historical achievements and dominance as unparalleled, setting the stage for a debate that resonates deeply within the MMA community.
Makhachev’s Claim and the Definition of „Active“
The discussion then shifted to Islam Makhachev, a fighter many pundits and fans consider a strong contender for the pound-for-pound best. Makhachev has successfully defended his UFC lightweight title three times, including two dominant wins over former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and a recent hard-fought victory. Currently, Makhachev sits atop the official UFC pound-for-pound rankings, a testament to his impressive reign. However, White’s perspective on the „pound-for-pound“ title often hinges on a broader view than just recent activity. He appears to weigh historical dominance and championship reigns heavily, leading to his continued advocacy for Jones. The debate also touched upon the definition of „active“ in the context of these elite fighters, especially as it relates to potential matchups and title contention.
The Miocic Showdown Remains the Goal
The conversation naturally evolved to the highly anticipated, though currently unbooked, heavyweight showdown between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. A key point of contention among some media members was whether Miocic should be obligated to fight interim champion Tom Aspinall while awaiting Jones’s return from injury. White was adamant that the Jones-Miocic fight is what both legendary fighters desire, and he has no intention of denying them that opportunity. He stressed that their wish to face each other takes precedence, especially given their storied careers and the monumental nature of the potential bout. Despite the disagreements, White concluded the discussion by reiterating his firm belief in Jones as the greatest of all time. The UFC remains focused on making the Jones vs. Miocic fight happen, with UFC 309 on November 16th at Madison Square Garden in New York City as the targeted event.
