Dana White, reporters spar over Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

LAS VEGAS – UFC CEO Dana White has passionately defended two key topics in the past year. One is determining the pound-for-pound best fighter currently. The other is advocating for Jon Jones to face Stipe Miocic next.

After Dana White’s Contender Series 69 at the UFC Apex, he engaged in a lengthy exchange with reporters.

The discussion was respectful but fervent as White debated with media members, particularly with veteran reporters Kevin Iole and John Morgan.

PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 09: TUF Coach, Jon Jones (L) and Dana White, UFC President/UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, of the television show “The Ultimate Fighter” speak during the FX Networks portion of the 2013 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Langham Hotel and Spa on January 9, 2013 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Jones as pound-for-pound No. 1

The exchange began as White was wrapping up his post-event news conference. He was humorously asked about Jones’ status as the “pound-for-pound GOAT.”

White has been increasingly vocal about his opinion on Jones as the best fighter. The online reactions to his views have been quite entertaining.

Iole jokingly asked, “Does he have pictures of you?” eliciting laughter.

White responded with humor, questioning, “Are you guys that stupid to think that Jon Jones is not the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world and the GOAT… but maybe you are?”

Despite getting up to leave, White sat back down to continue the discussion for another eleven minutes.

White raised the issue of Jones’ inactivity due to injury, emphasizing that it was not a voluntary decision. Jones had been sidelined for three years before returning to win the heavyweight title in March 2023.

White also mentioned Islam Makhachev, currently ranked No. 1 in the pound-for-pound list, as another contender for the title.

Jones vs. Stipe

The conversation then shifted to the matchup between Jones and Miocic, with discussions around the definition of “active” fighters.

White highlighted his dilemma of not wanting to disrespect Miocic by pulling him out of the fight with Jones due to Jones’ injury.

White defended his decision to uphold the Jones vs. Miocic bout, citing respect for both fighters’ desires.

Iole suggested that Miocic should have fought Aspinall in Jones’ absence instead of waiting.

White emphasized the importance of showing respect to Miocic and allowing both fighters to have the fight they want.

Ultimately, the discussion did not reach a resolution, and White reaffirmed Jones’ status as the pound-for-pound best fighter before stepping away from the table.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 04: Jon Jones looks on during the UFC heavyweight championship fight against Ciryl Gane of France during the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 04, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

What’s next

Jones and Miocic are set to fight at UFC 309 on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York, as confirmed by White. The formal announcement is pending as the promotion finalizes its calendar.

Aspinall, the interim titleholder, defended his championship at UFC 304 in July. His next move remains uncertain, but he has been vocal about wanting to face Jones.