Tag: Jon Jones

Prominent MMA Manager Feels Dana White Has Been ‘Playing’ Media With Jon Jones P4P Talk

Renowned MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz recently asserted that he believes Dana White has been manipulating the media with his steadfast endorsement of Jon Jones’ status in the UFC pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings. White has dedicated a tremendous investment of effort in the past few months to championing Jones as the definitive leader in any conversation about […]

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Renowned MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz recently asserted that he believes Dana White has been manipulating the media with his steadfast endorsement of Jon Jones’ status in the UFC pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings.

White has dedicated a tremendous investment of effort in the past few months to championing Jones as the definitive leader in any conversation about the greatest P4P fighter in the world.

The UFC CEO has been observed passionately debating with MMA journalists at multiple press conferences, reiterating his stance that ‘Bones’ rightfully claims the pinnacle position. This assertion is based not only on Jones’ reign of dominance in the UFC’s light heavyweight division throughout his career but also on his successful ascent to the heavyweight.

Numerous voices within the MMA community have sought to challenge White’s claim by pointing to Jones’ inactivity in the Octagon, contending that reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev should be recognized as the rightful leader in the rankings. However, the UFC boss maintains that Makhachev still has much to achieve and may need to wait for Jones to retire to reach that esteemed status.

Nonetheless, Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, argues that White’s fervent advocacy for Jones is merely a marketing strategy.

Abdelaziz Says White Is Fostering Hype For Jones vs Miocic With P4P Narrative

During a recent interview with MMA reporter Kevin Iole, Abdelaziz discussed Makhachev’s potential timeline for a return. However, the dialogue swiftly pivoted to White’s unwavering support for “Bones” as the greatest P4P fighter of all time.

The Dominance MMA founder advocated for his client, asserting that Makhachev is the rightful kingpin of the rankings while also claiming that the UFC head honcho is merely leveraging debates about Jones to promote his return to the Octagon.

“He [Makhachev] is the pound-for-pound #1 fighter in the world,” Abdelaziz said. “Dana can say whatever he wants, but Dana is one of the greatest promoters. We know Jon Jones is fighting Stipe [Miocic] next month. I don’t know if people care about this fight, but this is why Dana is the best because he knows how to rile people up…like he’s been playing with you guys [media].”

“Bones” is set to defend his undisputed title against Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, scheduled for November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This matchup marks Jones’ return to the Octagon after an injury-plagued hiatus of approximately 18 months following his victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.

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Former Opponent On Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: ‘Not Bigger, Not Stronger, Striking Not Better!’

One of Jon Jones’ former opponents recently articulated his thoughts on the reigning UFC heavyweight champion’s upcoming matchup against Stipe Miocic. Jones is set to put his undisputed title on the line against former long-time champion Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, scheduled for November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York […]

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One of Jon Jones’ former opponents recently articulated his thoughts on the reigning UFC heavyweight champion’s upcoming matchup against Stipe Miocic.

Jones is set to put his undisputed title on the line against former long-time champion Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, scheduled for November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

This matchup has ignited a whirlwind of debate, with UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall repeatedly calling for a title unification bout. Despite these appeals, ‘Bones’ has remained firmly committed to facing Miocic. Jones’ adamant stance has provoked discontent among many fans, who argue that he is stalling the division and deliberately avoiding a showdown with Aspinall.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion has frequently expressed that facing Miocic is his dream fight and the primary reason for his move up to the heavyweight division. Jones has also alluded to the idea that defeating a legend like Miocic would be the final crowning achievement in his already stellar career, suggesting that after adding such a victory to his record, he may hang up his gloves.

However, Vitor Belfort believes that a fight against Miocic brings a lot of risk.

Belfort Thinks Miocic Has The Upper Hand Against Jones At UFC 309

During a recent interview with Inside Fighting, ‘The Phenom,’ who lost to Jones at UFC 152 in September 2012, shared his insights on the headlining bout of UFC 309. Belfort asserted that this matchup poses more risks than rewards for “Bones”, arguing that Jones would be tested to his limit against the 42-year-old veteran.

“If I can give any advice to Jon Jones, it’s to not fight him [Aspinall] because there is nothing to gain from that fight for Jon Jones,” Belfort said. “Jon Jones is going to have the greatest career. Let’s say he beats Miocic, which I think is going to be very hard. I love Jon Jones, and I think he has an amazing career, but you know, a lot of people think he’s bigger than Stipe Miocic. No, he’s not bigger, he’s not stronger, and his striking is not better than Stipe Miocic. Stipe Miocic is a great boxer; he can wrestle and he can grapple.”

Belfort also suggested that Jones is doing the right thing in not fighting Aspinall, as he poses a significant threat to the champion.

“Aspinall is a different beast. He’s so young; I mean, he’s the new generation—very dangerous, very explosive, very athletic. I don’t think unless Jon Jones is going to make millions of dollars. But I mean, if I’m Jon Jones, I would ask, ‘Why are you fighting him? If you win, cut it out, go retire, and be the best guy of all time.’ I’m thinking he would be the Tom Brady of MMA.”

Continue Reading Former Opponent On Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: ‘Not Bigger, Not Stronger, Striking Not Better!’ at MMA News.

Dana White’s Reaction To AI-Generated UFC Pound-For-Pound List After It Omits Jon Jones

Dana White was recently amused with an AI-generated list of UFC pound-for-pound (P4P) fighters, but he found the underlying concept quite intriguing. As the daily integration of AI technologies expands across nearly every field, leading to improved and more accurate results, their application in the sports world has become increasingly unavoidable. White has also previously […]

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Dana White was recently amused with an AI-generated list of UFC pound-for-pound (P4P) fighters, but he found the underlying concept quite intriguing.

As the daily integration of AI technologies expands across nearly every field, leading to improved and more accurate results, their application in the sports world has become increasingly unavoidable.

White has also previously conveyed his enthusiasm for integrating AI models, such as ChatGPT, into the UFC’s ranking system. He envisions a future where these advanced algorithms take precedence over the current rankings panel, which consists of media representatives from various outlets.

During a recent interview with MMA journalist Kevin Iole, White’s vision gained momentum as he lambasted the rankings panel for failing to elevate Renato Moicano in the lightweight standings. This scrutiny came on the heels of “Money Moicano’s” commanding TKO victory via doctor’s stoppage against Benoît Saint Denis in the main event of UFC Fight Night Paris last weekend.

“The rankings are definitely a problem,” White said. “Moicano, I agree with you 100 percent. But don’t worry my friend; AI will be here soon, and this will all be fixed. We get all these bums that know nothing about fighting out of this sh*t and get AI in here, and we can fix all these rankings.”

White Shares Excitement About AI In UFC Rankings

At the post-fight press conference for the latest episode of Dana White’s Contender Series on Tuesday night, the UFC head honcho was handed a ChatGPT-generated list ranking the top five pound-for-pound fighters in the organization by a reporter. The list featured Alexander Volkanovski leading the pack, followed closely by Islam Makhachev, Leon Edwards, Charles Oliveira, and Aljamain Sterling – completely omitting Jon Jones.

“I don’t know what AI you’re using, MMA Junkie AI?” White joked. “When we get a real AI platform in place… I can’t wait.”

White’s response to the AI-generated pound-for-pound rankings was not quite surprising, particularly given that the system omitted the reigning UFC undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. White has been quite outspoken in his belief that “Bones” holds the status of the greatest fighter of all time.

Continue Reading Dana White’s Reaction To AI-Generated UFC Pound-For-Pound List After It Omits Jon Jones at MMA News.

Jon Jones’ Coach On Not Fighting Tom Aspinall Next: ‘Stipe Miocic Deserves Better…’

Jon Jones’ coach, Greg Jackson, recently explained why his star pupil is slated to face Stipe Miocic next rather than Tom Aspinall. “Bones” is preparing for what could be both the first and final defense of his undisputed heavyweight title as he faces former champion Miocic in the headlining bout of UFC 309. The highly […]

Continue Reading Jon Jones’ Coach On Not Fighting Tom Aspinall Next: ‘Stipe Miocic Deserves Better…’ at MMA News.

Jon Jones’ coach, Greg Jackson, recently explained why his star pupil is slated to face Stipe Miocic next rather than Tom Aspinall.

“Bones” is preparing for what could be both the first and final defense of his undisputed heavyweight title as he faces former champion Miocic in the headlining bout of UFC 309. The highly anticipated showdown is set for November 16 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City.

This matchup has been a priority for Jones since his heavyweight debut in March 2023. He’s even considered retiring after potentially defeating Miocic, widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight champion.

The Jones vs. Miocic matchup has faced considerable backlash from the MMA community, with many arguing that interim heavyweight champion Aspinall, who is also the backup fighter, is the rightful challenger.

Some have even suggested that Jones should remain available after UFC 309 for a title unification bout. However, “Bones” has consistently dismissed the prospect, making it clear he has no interest in facing Aspinall.

Jackson Defends Jones vs. Miocic Matchup: ‘It’s Really Two Legends Fighting Each Other’

During a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast, Jackson was prompted to shed light on Jones’ fervor to face Miocic next, rather than focusing on rising contenders like Aspinall or Curtis Blaydes.

The Jackson’s MMA Acoma founder elaborated that this fight represents a legacy moment for “Bones.” He emphasized that while there will always be emerging challengers, the upcoming bout at UFC 309 is a legendary clash aimed at determining who truly stands out among the elite.

“I think because Stipe is so legendary—I mean, the guy’s one of the best heavyweights,” Jackson said. “You could argue he’s one of the best heavyweights ever—so I think that’s the challenge that Jon needs because there’s always going to be young guys coming up, there’s always going to be a new phenom, and there’s always going to be another guy that’s like, ‘Oh, this guy’s super tough.’ So I think the attraction for Jon in that is it’s really two legends fighting each other.”

Jackson further emphasized that Jones has accomplished so much in his career that he no longer feels the need to validate himself against any competitor; he can choose whoever he wants to fight.

“At this point in Jon’s career, he doesn’t need to fight; he could stop today and be fine. But I think that gets him up for Stipe—the idea of Stipe and how great he is, and how tough he is, and to compete against that. I think he’s looking for a legacy thing, in my opinion… I do know that we had this fight locked up before any of that drama happened, so to me, it would be a terrible move to tell Stipe, ‘Oh, never mind, we’re not gonna fight you after all; we’re gonna go after this guy.’ I mean, Stipe deserves better than that. He’s not only a great fighter but also a great guy.””

Jones was last active when he captured the heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. He was scheduled to fight Miocic at UFC 295 last November, but “Bones” was forced to withdraw just days before the bout due to a pectoral injury.

Continue Reading Jon Jones’ Coach On Not Fighting Tom Aspinall Next: ‘Stipe Miocic Deserves Better…’ at MMA News.

Alex Pereira Backs Dana White’s Claim, Declares Jon Jones the MMA GOAT

Alex Pereira Backs Dana White’s Claim, Declares Jon Jones the MMA GOATAlex Pereira thinks Jon Jones is MMA’s undisputed GOAT. This Saturday (October 5), ‘Poatan’ will return to the Octagon…

Alex Pereira Backs Dana White’s Claim, Declares Jon Jones the MMA GOAT

Alex Pereira thinks Jon Jones is MMA’s undisputed GOAT.

This Saturday (October 5), ‘Poatan’ will return to the Octagon for his third defense of the light heavyweight title in 2024. Meeting him in the UFC 307 headliner will be heavy-hitting contender Khalil Rountree who looks to shock the world and stop Pereira’s destructive reign atop the 205-pound division.

Alex Pereira

In just a few short years, the ‘Brazilian Boogeyman’ has entered the GOAT debate with wins over a slew of former world champions, including Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Jan Blachowicz, Jamahal Hill, and Jiri Prochazka on two separate occasions. However, ‘Poatan’ isn’t ready to dub himself the greatest of all time.

Instead, he leans toward the side of White who has unapologetically hailed Jon Jones as the undisputed GOAT of mixed martial arts over the last several months.

“Right now being active, Jon Jones [is the MMA GOAT],” Pereira told Helen Yee. Like Dana White says, he’s the man.”

Does Jon Jones’ Antics Outside the Octagon exempt him from GOAT Status?

Jon Jones’ resume as a (mostly) unbeaten fighter with title reigns in multiple divisions undoubtedly puts him in the GOAT conversation whenever it comes up, but those who deny him the designation often point to his long stretches of inactivity, his failed drug tests, or his slew of run-ins with the law.

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Daniel Cormier recently suggested that while ‘Bones’ is a great fighter and one of the biggest draws in the game today, he shouldn’t have a spot reserved on the Mount Rushmore of MMA because of his antics outside the Octagon. Of course, ‘DC’ still has plenty of beef with ‘Bones’ stemming from their days fight over the light heavyweight title, but he makes a reasonable point nonetheless.

Do you think Jon Jones deserves a spot atop the MMA GOAT list?

Daniel Cormier Nearly Walks Out of Podcast After Host Dubs Jon Jones ‘The Michael Jordan of MMA’

Daniel Cormier Nearly Walks Out of Podcast After Host Dubs Jon Jones 'the Michael Jordan of MMA'Daniel Cormier nearly walked out on Kamaru Usman’s Pound 4 Pound podcast after the former welterweight world champion likened…

Daniel Cormier Nearly Walks Out of Podcast After Host Dubs Jon Jones 'the Michael Jordan of MMA'

Daniel Cormier nearly walked out on Kamaru Usman’s Pound 4 Pound podcast after the former welterweight world champion likened Jon Jones to NBA legend Michael Jordan.

It’s no secret that ‘DC’ has a deep hatred for Jones. Their rivalry dates back almost a decade when the Hall of Famers first squared off at UFC 182 for the light heavyweight championship. ‘Bones’ won the bout via unanimous decision, but their iconic rivalry prompted the promotion to book a rematch between the two at UFC 214.

This time around, Jones finished Cormier in the third round, but the result was later overturned after Jones was found to have tested positive for a banned substance.

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Regularly citing Jones’ multiple banned substance violations and his slew of run-ins with the law, Cormier has regularly lobbied against the notion that ‘Bones’ is the undisputed GOAT of mixed martial arts.

So it should come as no surprise that ‘DC’ was ready to get up and walk out on Kamaru Usman after ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ suggested that Jon Jones is the Michael Jordan of MMA.

Daniel Cormier throws a fit over Jon Jones/Michael Jordan comparison

It all began as Usman started to sing the praises of Jones and likened him to Conor McGregor in that he, like the Irishman, has gotten to a point in his career where he can handpick his opponents. Cormier quickly chimed in, saying:

“I thought you were gonna say Michael Jordan or some crazy sh*t like that. If you would’ve said that I was leaving,”

Things got a little heated between the two when Usman doubled down, suggesting that Jones is an MMA version of the six-time NBA champion.

“To be honest, Jon is in a sense the Michael Jordan that we’ve seen in MMA,” Usman stated.

That pissed Cormier off something terrible. So much so that ‘DC’ threatened to get up and walk out of the interview altogether.

“No he isn’t,” Cormier replied matter-of-factly. “I’m about to leave, are you done with the interview? Do you just wanna be done? So you’re telling me Jon Jones is the Michael Jordan and Lebron James of MMA? You’re gonna sit up here in real life on five cameras (and say that)?”

Daniel Cormier

Jon Jones is scheduled to return to the Octagon on November 16 when the promotion heads back to the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, for UFC 309. There, ‘Bones’ will put his undisputed heavyweight championship on the line against two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic.

In all likelihood, Daniel Cormier will be on the call that night and get a cageside seat for Jones’ first heavyweight title defense.