Dana White is vigorously promoting Jon Jones as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter to boost his upcoming fight against Stipe Miocic, despite Islam Makhachev currently holding the top spot in MMA rankings, while Makhachev’s team remains focused on his next potential fight against Arman Tsarukyan.
Dana White’s been adamant lately, passionately defending Jon Jones as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.
Sure, Jones is a legend, but his inactivity has slid him down the rankings. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev’s been busy taking out contenders, climbing to the top of both MMA Fighting Global Rankings and the UFC’s official list.
White’s relentless support for Jones raises eyebrows. Makhachev’s manager thinks he knows why White’s so vocal about it.
“Dana White is the pound-for-pound greatest promoter,” Ali Abdelaziz told MMA Fighting. “Jones fights next month against Stipe Miocic—he’ll probably be a -800 favorite. Promoting Jones this way makes sense.”
“Dana never really backed Jones before. Now he’s on board, claiming Jones is the GOAT. But Makhachev’s the current pound-for-pound king,” Abdelaziz added. “People think Dana’s words are gospel.”
Abdelaziz might have a point. The odds for Jones’ fight against Miocic at UFC 309 in New York favor him heavily.
Miocic, though one of MMA’s heavyweight greats, hasn’t fought since a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021. Plus, he just turned 42, and oddsmakers have him as a big underdog against Jones.
Some argue Jones should face interim champ Tom Aspinall instead of a returning Miocic after such a long layoff.
Abdelaziz understands why White’s hyping up Jones—there’s a pay-per-view to sell in November.
“It is what it is,” said Abdelaziz. “Dana will do his thing. Islam just needs to keep proving he’s the best. We’re not worried.”
As for Makhachev, the lightweight champ plans to return in early 2025 after recovering from a thumb injury sustained in June against Dustin Poirier.
Khabib Nurmagomedov mentioned a January fight offer was accepted, but details remain scarce.
Abdelaziz confirmed that timeline is feasible now that Makhachev’s cleared to compete again.
“January or February,” said Abdelaziz. “He’s ready. The UFC has the green light to book him against anyone.”
“Good to go. Firing on all cylinders,” he added. “Anybody, any time, anywhere.”
Makhachev’s likely opponent? Arman Tsarukyan, riding a four-fight win streak and seen as the top contender.
That matchup makes sense, but Abdelaziz insists it doesn’t matter who they put against Makhachev—he doesn’t call out opponents as champion.
“Arman deserves it more than anyone,” said Abdelaziz. “Could be Arman, maybe [Renato] Moicano… definitely not [Dan] Hooker.”