Dana White Points Towards Major Names to be the Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali of UFC

Since taking over the UFC in 2001, Dana White has witnessed several superstars rise and eventually leave the promotion. A select few fighters permanently transformed the company into a multi-billion dollar powerhouse that dominates mixed martial arts worldwide. The UFC boss recently revealed which UFC names he considers the promotion’s versions of Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali.

Jordan transformed basketball through six NBA championships and global popularity during his legendary career with the Chicago Bulls. Ali revolutionized boxing with Olympic gold, multiple heavyweight championships, and unmatched cultural influence outside professional sports. Both athletes became worldwide icons for their dominance, charisma, and ability to elevate their respective sports.

White has witnessed several major UFC stars rise and leave throughout his lengthy run as the company’s president and CEO. Recent years also sparked what many observers describe as the UFC’s growing superstar problem across multiple divisions. White recently appeared on The New Yorker Radio Hour with David Remnick and discussed fighters carrying Jordan and Ali-level influence within the UFC.

We have a guy named Conor McGregor, who I would say is like our Muhammad Ali, but if you were looking for your Michael Jordan, it would be Jon Jones. Jon Jones is in his 40s now, and he’s undefeated still. He’s never been beaten, and he’s moved up and down weight classes. It’s very, very unique and hard to stay undefeated in the UFC.

Dana White via The New Yorker

Dana White: We have a guy named Conor McGregor, who I would say is like our Muhammad Ali, but if you were looking for your Michael Jordan, it would be Jon Jones.pic.twitter.com/j7L1zh1pL0

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) May 22, 2026

A major reason for McGregor’s comparison with Ali is their dominance and worldwide popularity during their respective primes. Both athletes also became famous for their outspoken personalities and psychological approach before major fights. Even Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, previously stated his legendary grandfather would have appreciated the Irishman’s personality and commanding presence.

White’s comparison between Jones and Jordan reflected his admiration for dominance and sustained championship excellence across professional sports history. The UFC boss has repeatedly called Jordan his idol during several interviews throughout his leadership career. He has also often praised Jones as one of the greatest fighters ever, despite recent contract disputes and false claims that damaged their relation.

Dana White has undoubtedly credited Conor McGregor for helping globalize the UFC and expand MMA internationally. The Irishman is currently scheduled to return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 later this year. Meanwhile, Jon Jones officially confirmed his retirement from active competition. The UFC CEO’s comparisons reflected the enormous influence both fighters carried throughout modern UFC history.

UFC heavyweight champion’s strong stance on Dana White downplaying his injury

Tom Aspinall saw his UFC 321 title defense against Ciryl Gane end in a no-contest after suffering a severe eye poke during the fight. The accidental foul forced officials to stop the contest before a proper conclusion inside the main event championship bout. Aspinall later revealed the injury caused lingering vision problems, which continue to keep the heavyweight champion sidelined from active competition.

However, Aspinall’s injury sparked major scrutiny throughout the mixed martial arts community following the controversial ending of UFC 321. Many critics believed the British heavyweight willingly stopped after Gane’s striking power began overwhelming him during the contest. Dana White also hinted that Aspinall could have continued fighting. The heavyweight champion recently addressed those accusations.

He’s not said it in so many words, but he’s like alluded to it. It’s like you said, if you’re not fighting, you’re not earning. So, like, I’m not sitting here for fun. I’d love to be fighting. I’d love to be on these big cards and these big nights. I didn’t work since I was 10 years old to sit on the sidelines.

Tom Aspinall via hia YouTube channel

UFC Champion Tom Aspinall responds to Dana White downplaying eye injury:

🗣️ Aspinall: “It’s been a shit time. It’s like you said, if you’re not fighting, you’re not earning. So, like, I’m not sitting here for fun. I’d love to be fighting.

I’d love to be on these big cards and… pic.twitter.com/fkRNJdiaKx

— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) May 23, 2026

Tom Aspinall also recently signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom talent agency despite Hearn’s long-standing rivalry with Dana White. UFC veteran Henry Cejudo previously warned that criticizing White could place fighters in difficult positions within the promotion. Aspinall publicly addressing White’s comments will undoubtedly create further tension between the British champion and UFC management.

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