Dana White believes Jon Jones is still the greatest UFC fighter of all time despite his recent inactivity.
Jones has not fought since defeating Dominick Reyes in February 2020 and has been plotting his switch to the heavyweight division ever since. The American looks set to face Stipe Miocic in his return fight this summer, which will kickstart his bid to claim a UFC title in a second weight class.
White believes a fight with Miocic is the best option while current champion Francis Ngannou recovers from knee surgery. "I agree he is still the greatest of all time, obviously we have Francis and his knee and we are waiting on that," White told MMA Underground during an update on Jones' future. "But him and Stipe probably makes sense for either Las Vegas or even in New York.
Jones has been defeated just once during his career in the UFC having beaten some of the promotion's most formidable fighters including Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson. Since his two year spell out of the cage began, Jones vacated his light-heavyweight title and has now switched his sights on a shot at heavyweight champion Ngannou.
'Bones' was in talks with Ngannou last year over a potential bout but was understood to have demanded $30million which saw negotiations stall. Jones has since had issues outside of the cage that have delayed his return, but he has now shown off a new bulky physique as his next fight in the octagon finally looks imminent.
Leaked photos from the UFC's matchmaking room suggested Jones was set to return on July 30 against Miocic but his rival has since claimed he will not be ready until a later date. Jones voiced his frustration at a fresh delay but is ready to take the challenge even if the fight is pushed back until the UFC's hallmark New York card in November.
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Jones has been working with former two-weight world champion Henry Cejudo ahead of his return after being kicked out of his gym in New Mexico. 'Triple C' has backed Jones to defeat Miocic before going on and claiming the heavyweight title.
"That's the fight that's going to happen," Cejudo told ' The Schmo ' about Jones vs. Miocic. That's where we are going to be able to really see the creativity of Jon. I don't see Stipe with crazy knockout power. I think Stipe's greatest gift is his endurance.
"Jon Jones knows how to win, the only person that can really counter that is a guy that takes risks. That's the only way you're going to beat him. You're not a better competitor than him, he's the best competitor right now in the UFC, pound-for-pound any division Jon Jones is the greatest of all time. he's going to cement that even more so when he wins the heavyweight title."
