Dana White has been a polarizing figure in the MMA world for years, but his recent antics surrounding Jon Jones and the media have sparked intense debates. Whether it’s his handling of Jones’ controversial career or his treatment of fighters in general, Dana’s actions are starting to rub many people the wrong way. This article dives deep into how Dana White’s relationship with Jon Jones and his controversial remarks are starting to backfire, and why it’s time for him to face the music.

The Glazing of Jon Jones

Jon Jones is arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. His talent is undeniable, and his record inside the Octagon is legendary. However, his career outside of fighting has been marred by scandals, controversies, and long periods of inactivity due to injuries and personal issues. Despite all this, Dana White has consistently defended Jon Jones, often downplaying the negative aspects of his career while praising his skills.

Recently, White has been caught in a whirlwind of praise for Jones, specifically in light of Jones’ return to the UFC after several years of inactivity. Dana’s relentless defense of Jones has started to look less like an endorsement of greatness and more like a desperate attempt to protect his golden boy.

White’s comments about Jones being the “pound-for-pound best” and the “greatest fighter in the world” despite his long layoff are questionable, especially when you consider the context. Jones was sidelined for several years due to personal issues, and while he did fight and defeat Cyril Gane at UFC 285, he hasn’t fought since then. White, however, defends his inactivity by saying that “injuries happen,” yet when other fighters are out for long periods of time, Dana is quick to call them out. Why the double standard?

The “Inactive Fighter” Conundrum

One of the biggest criticisms of Dana White’s treatment of Jon Jones is his definition of “active” and “inactive” fighters. White continuously refers to Jones as an “active fighter” despite the fact that Jones has fought just once in the last four and a half years. During this period, White has been vocal about other fighters who take time off, criticizing them for being inactive and not fighting regularly. Yet, when it comes to Jones, White gives him a free pass.

Fans and critics alike have pointed out this glaring inconsistency. How can Dana White criticize other fighters for sitting out while Jones gets away with years of inactivity? Is this simply because Jones is his most valuable asset? Or is it because Dana needs Jon Jones to be the face of the UFC, to maintain the aura of the “greatest” fighter the sport has ever seen?

White also played a role in Jon Jones’ extended absence. Remember, it was White who pushed Jones into a showdown with Francis Ngannou, only for it to fall apart due to contract disputes and Jones’ insistence on getting paid what he believed was fair. White’s refusal to match Jones’ asking price for the Ngannou fight led to even more delays in Jones’ return. While he now defends Jones’ return as a monumental moment in UFC history, it’s clear that White’s own actions contributed to the delay of Jones’ heavyweight career.

The Stipe Miocic Issue

Another problematic aspect of Dana White’s defense of Jon Jones is his handling of the Stipe Miocic fight. Miocic, the former heavyweight champion and considered by many to be the greatest heavyweight of all time, has been waiting for a fight with Jones for years. Yet, due to Jones’ injury and prolonged inactivity, Miocic has been left on the sidelines. Dana White’s treatment of Miocic is troubling, especially considering that he had no problem giving Jones the benefit of the doubt.

Miocic is 41 years old and many believe this will be his final fight. Still, Dana White has chosen to move forward with the Jon Jones vs. Miocic fight at a time when Miocic’s prime is long behind him, and he hasn’t fought in over three years. Why not give Miocic the respect he deserves by making the fight against a more active opponent? Why does Jon Jones, who has shown little interest in fighting Miocic, get this luxury?

Dana’s insistence on booking this fight feels more like a desperate attempt to salvage Jones’ legacy than a legitimate title match that the fans are clamoring for. The media and fans have made it clear that they want Jones to fight the next generation of heavyweights like Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich, not Miocic, who is past his prime.

Double Standards and Public Perception

Dana White has long been known for his “no-nonsense” attitude toward fighters, but it’s clear that his treatment of Jon Jones doesn’t align with the way he handles other fighters. White has trashed fighters who have sat out for less time than Jones, even calling them “lazy” or “entitled.” Yet, for Jones, Dana bends over backward, defending his inactivity and even glossing over the fact that Jones has failed to take on top contenders like Ngannou and Pavlovich.

The public perception is that Dana White is willing to protect Jon Jones at all costs, even if it means bending the truth or ignoring the facts. This is a dangerous game to play, and it’s one that could end up hurting both Dana White and the UFC. When fans start to feel like they are being lied to or manipulated, it can lead to a loss of trust in the sport and the promotion.

Conclusion: Is Dana White’s Career Over?

As Dana White continues to defend Jon Jones, it’s becoming more and more clear that he’s doing so at the expense of his own credibility. The contradictions, double standards, and failure to acknowledge the realities of Jones’ career are slowly eroding the respect that White has built over the years.

White’s tenure as UFC president has been marked by his ability to make bold decisions and grow the sport into the global juggernaut it is today. However, his relentless defense of Jon Jones, while simultaneously trashing other fighters for much less, is a look that’s hard to justify. Fans can only take so much manipulation before they start to question the legitimacy of everything White says.

If Dana White continues to “glaze” Jon Jones while turning a blind eye to the inconsistencies in his own promotion, he may find that he’s the one who gets “cooked” in the court of public opinion. It’s time for Dana to face the music and acknowledge the mistakes he’s made, or he risks seeing the very career he’s worked so hard to build crumble under the weight of his own contradictions.