What does it mean to be your boss’s favorite? For UFC heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones, this sentiment perfectly captures his unique bond with UFC boss Dana White. As ‘Bones’ approaches the twilight of his illustrious yet turbulent career—likely just one or two fights away from retirement—he remains a polarizing figure who has faced criticism from all corners, including former allies. Yet, through it all, the head honcho has remained steadfast in his support.

Earlier this year, that allegiance was on full display when White defied the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings and disregarded widespread analysis, boldly proclaiming the reigning champion as the “pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.” Such high praise from the most influential figure in the sport is not just a confidence booster—it’s a testament to the enduring faith White has in Jones’ greatness.

Yet, with admiration and expectations comes immense pressure. Jones recently opened up about this burden in an interview on Alex G’s YouTube show, filmed while driving the host’s $5 million Bugatti. Speaking about the weight of White’s support, ‘Bones’ revealed, “It’s added pressure to perform at a very high level. You know, there’s so many memes of Dana [White], ‘Jon Jones is the best fighter ever’… To have your boss praise you the way that Dana does, man, I’m so honored. I feel like no matter what job you do, to have somebody who’s above you look at you in such a high regard, it’s flattering.”

Last month, Jon Jones reignited the excitement in the UFC’s heavyweight division with a spectacular comeback at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Delivering a commanding performance, ‘Bones’ dismantled former champion Stipe Miocic, securing his first successful defense of the heavyweight title.

As anticipation builds, and with the weight of fan expectations and Dana White’s unwavering support, the reigning champion now faces the challenge of a potential second title defense against interim champion Tom Aspinall—a matchup that could further cement his legacy.

Dana White’s update on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

After significant speculation surrounding Jon Jones’ next fight, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed discussions are underway to organize a heavyweight title unification bout between Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall. Since UFC 309 concluded, fans and analysts alike have been eagerly anticipating an official announcement about this potential blockbuster matchup. At the UFC 309 post-event press conference, White hinted at the possibility, stating, “If Jon Jones wants to fight after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall.”

Despite this initial statement, uncertainty loomed as Jones appeared more inclined toward a fight with Alex Pereira rather than Aspinall. However, following UFC Tampa last week, Dana White delivered a definitive update, assuring that Jones vs. Aspinall is firmly in the works for 2025. Speaking to the media, White declared with confidence, “Yeah, I’ll say 100 percent [guaranteed]. 100 percent [it’s a priority]. I think it’s probably the biggest fight in heavyweight history, and it’s massive in the history of the company, too. It’s a big fight.”

What’s your opinion on Dana White’s unwavering support for Jon Jones? Do you consider Jon Jones the greatest MMA fighter of all time? Setting aside the pound-for-pound rankings, do you believe his name deserves to be at the very top of the all-time great list? Share your thoughts below.