In a recent exchange with reporters following Dana White’s Contender Series 69, the UFC CEO vehemently defended Jon Jones as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. This topic has been one that White has been increasingly vocal about in recent weeks, sparking debates among fans and media members alike. The discussion involved White engaging in a back-and-forth dialogue with reporters, particularly with veteran journalists Kevin Iole and John Morgan.
The debate began with a light-hearted question about Jones’ status as the “pound-for-pound GOAT,” to which White responded emphatically. He reiterated his belief that Jones is the best fighter in the world and should rightfully hold the title of the greatest of all time. Despite the humorous tone of the conversation, White’s passion for defending Jones was evident throughout the 12-plus-minute exchange.
One of the key points of contention in the discussion was Jones’ inactivity in recent years. While White acknowledged that Jones had only fought once in the past three years, he attributed this lack of activity to injuries rather than a choice on Jones’s part. Jones’ last fight was against Ciryl Gane in March 2023, where he won the heavyweight title after a three-year absence from the octagon.
White emphasized that Jones was scheduled to fight, but the bout was postponed due to his injury. In the meantime, Tom Aspinall had risen in the ranks and become the interim heavyweight champion, defending his title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304. White’s argument centered around the idea that Jones’s inactivity was not due to a lack of willingness to compete, but rather unforeseen circumstances.
The conversation then shifted to the definition of “active” in the context of pound-for-pound rankings. White brought up Islam Makhachev, who many believe deserves the pound-for-pound designation due to his three title defenses. However, there was a debate about the quality of Makhachev’s wins, especially considering one of his victories was against a fighter from a lower weight class.
The debate continued as White and Iole discussed the matchup between Jones and Stipe Miocic. While some argued that Miocic should have fought Aspinall in Jones’s absence, White defended his decision to prioritize the Jones-Miocic fight. He highlighted Miocic’s reputation as one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history and emphasized the importance of respecting both fighters’ desires for the matchup.
Final Thoughts and Fight Confirmation
Despite the passionate back-and-forth, no agreement was reached on the best course of action regarding the Jones-Miocic fight. White stood firm in his decision to prioritize the bout, citing respect for both fighters and their aspirations. He confirmed that Jones and Miocic are “targeted” to fight at UFC 309 in November, with the lack of a formal announcement attributed to the promotion’s scheduling.
White’s defense of Jon Jones as the pound-for-pound best fighter and his decision regarding the Jones-Miocic fight exemplify the complexities of matchmaking in the UFC. The debate surrounding rankings, inactivity, and fighter preferences highlights the intricacies of promoting high-profile matchups in the world of mixed martial arts.