Jon Jones and Dana White talk at the UFC press conference. Photo: Getty Images/Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Considered by many fighters and experts as the greatest name in MMA history, Jon Jones once again commented on his relationship with Dana White. Despite numerous public clashes throughout his career, the former light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) champion made it clear that he has great respect for the UFC president and recognizes the importance of the executive to his trajectory within the sport.
In an interview with Ring Magazine, 'Bones' emphasized that the relationship between the two was always based on professionalism, even when disagreements arose outside the spotlight. According to Jones, the partnership built over more than a decade was beneficial to both and played a decisive role in his career and in building his wealth.
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“You need to be able to work with people you don’t like. I made Dana millions of dollars over the years, and he made me millions of dollars too. Will I be invited to his house for Christmas? Probably not. But the guy changed my life and is a friend for life. And, regardless of how he feels about me, I will always respect him,” said the former champion.
This statement is noteworthy because Jon Jones and Dana White have had several tense moments throughout the American's career. Negotiations over purses, fight postponements, off-octagon issues, and even public arguments have marked the relationship between the athlete and the executive at different stages of the UFC.
Even so, Jones made it clear that the differences never erased his appreciation for Dana's role in his career. For the two-time champion, the respect built over the years is above any personal disagreement, reinforcing that both contributed directly to each other's success.
Jon Jones' record in the UFC
Jon Jones celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones
At 23 years old, Jon Jones became the youngest champion in Ultimate history by winning the light heavyweight title and, years later, also won the heavyweight title, cementing his name as one of the greatest in MMA.
Throughout his career, Jones defeated a veritable collection of champions and former champions, including Mauricio Shogun , Rampage , Lyoto Machida , Rashad Evans , Vitor Belfort , Chael Sonnen , Glover Teixeira , Alexander Gustafsson , Daniel Cormier , Ciryl Gane , and Stipe Miocic . In the light heavyweight division, he set a record of 11 title defenses, in addition to starring in some of the most memorable rivalries in the history of the sport.
Although his career was marked by controversies outside the octagon, the American ended his career as one of the most dominant athletes in UFC history. The titles he won, the records he set, and the victories over a generation of champions ensure that his name remains at the center of the debate about who is the greatest fighter of all time.
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