Dana White calls Jon Jones MMA GOAT, compares him to Jordan

Dana White is not backing down from his position on mixed martial arts' all-time greatest fighter.

The UFC president told The Pivot podcast that Jon Jones remains the sport's undisputed GOAT despite the pair's ongoing contract disputes, per Sherdog. White acknowledged their friction over business terms but said respect for Jones' accomplishments never wavers. "Me and Jon have our... there's the business side and then there's the personal side," he said. "But even on the business side, I always respect Jon Jones."

White draws Jordan parallel to Jones' career

White pointed to Jones' ability to win championship fights even when personal problems derailed his training camps. He compared that consistency to Michael Jordan's off-court habits during his NBA dominance. "You hear these stories about Michael Jordan now," White said. "The stuff that this guy was doing and then coming out and beating the hell out of world-class guys who trained hard to try to beat him."

Jones has not fought since defending his heavyweight title at UFC 285 in March 2023. White said the former light heavyweight king's resume speaks for itself regardless of the setbacks that interrupted his career. "Jon Jones knows who he is and Jon Jones knows what he does, and there's no delusion there," he added.

The UFC has yet to announce Jones' next title defense.

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Dana White again names Jon Jones MMA’s GOAT, compares him to Michael Jordan