Nobody Loves Like Dana White Loves Jon Jones

Austin Jones
Jun 18
4 min read

Nobody Loves Like Dana White Loves Jon Jones

A Match Made in UFC Heaven?

It’s not every day that we get to witness a bromance so deep it’s practically drowning in mutual admiration. Dana White, the ever-controversial UFC president, has publicly poured out his heart for none other than Jon Jones—the man who's not only the most talented fighter in UFC history but also, apparently, the embodiment of White’s highest ideals. So, it seems, they’ve found a kinship in some truly unexpected places—one being their shared history of controversy, including both men’s troubled pasts with, shall we say, "family matters."

But let’s focus on the more recent chapter of their "relationship"—Jon Jones delaying fights and Dana White's unwavering loyalty as he gleefully disregards all semblance of sportsmanship. It’s a love story for the ages, and it’s worth breaking down.

Jon Jones: The Fighter Who Keeps on Ducking (And Dana's Willingness to Let Him)

Dana White’s feelings toward Jon Jones have long been the subject of speculation. After all, when your star fighter continuously stirs the pot with headlines that involve everything from drug tests to domestic violence allegations, one has to wonder what kind of relationship you two really have.

And yet, Dana seems oblivious to the need for any kind of sportsmanship in dealing with Jones. Instead, he’s embraced Jones with open arms, allowing him to delay, dodge, and pretty much waltz around any real consequences for his behavior.

Take the delayed fight with Tom Aspinall, for example. Jones has been holding up the heavyweight division like a political election in a banana republic—no real decisions are being made, but everyone’s forced to wait. What happened to the days when Dana White would demand fighters to step up and fight? That was before Jon Jones came around, apparently. Now, it seems Dana’s more interested in protecting the fragile ego of his golden boy, allowing him to avoid the much-anticipated fight with Aspinall. Aspinall, who’s been practically begging for a title shot, can’t seem to get any love from Dana White, all because Jones needs more “time” to prepare—time that’s somehow been extended indefinitely.

Jon Jones is allowed to play the role of the diva, strutting about with endless delays, all while White is completely fine with the fact that it undermines the integrity of the sport. Meanwhile, fighters like Aspinall and others are left waiting in the wings, their momentum completely halted. Dana White, like a giddy schoolgirl, stands by, applauding Jon’s every move.

Dana White and Jon Jones: Partners in Crime (And Domestic Disputes)

But it doesn’t stop there. It’s been well documented that both Dana White and Jon Jones have experienced troubled personal lives—specifically with accusations of assault involving their wives. But Dana White, in a stunning show of selective morality, seemingly overlooks this little tidbit. It’s almost as if they’re kindred spirits—two men who've weathered personal storms and come out the other side, apparently unscathed.

The sheer audacity of Dana White’s admiration for Jon Jones in the face of all of this is, well, unsurprising, but also borderline embarrassing. When you’ve witnessed White’s harsh criticisms of other fighters for lesser transgressions, the double standard of his treatment of Jones is jarring. Dana's willingness to continue promoting Jones—despite his deeply problematic past—is a perfect reflection of his selective approach to managing the UFC brand.

In a league where even the smallest slip-up can lead to a fighter being banished from the promotion, Dana White’s blatant disregard for the magnitude of Jones' personal controversies is baffling. White is quick to condemn others for “breaking the code” or “disrespecting the sport,” but somehow Jon Jones has been given an all-access pass to break every rule in the book. The hypocrisy is staggering, and it's clear Dana White’s affection for Jones runs deeper than any semblance of professionalism or integrity.

The Real Reason Dana White Protects Jon Jones?

So, why does Dana White go to such great lengths to protect Jon Jones? It’s clear he sees Jones as the golden goose—the one fighter who could always be counted on to bring in the big bucks. White knows the UFC would suffer a tremendous loss without Jones in the spotlight, and he’s willing to sacrifice his supposed “sportsmanship” for the sake of keeping his cash cow happy.

Let’s not kid ourselves here: it’s about money, not morals. In the world of UFC, the end always justifies the means. Dana White can continue to sing Jones' praises and allow him to delay and avoid matchups with worthy contenders because, well, when you’re the top draw in the sport, why not?

A Saga of Favors and Hypocrisy

Dana White’s love letter to Jon Jones is a perfect example of the skewed priorities of the UFC. From delaying fights to selectively ignoring past controversies, White’s unwavering support for Jones speaks volumes about what really drives the UFC. It’s no longer about sportsmanship, integrity, or even competitive fairness—it’s about maintaining a relationship with a fighter who can sell pay-per-views, no matter the cost. And if that means giving Jones free rein to dodge fights or turn a blind eye to serious allegations, so be it. After all, in Dana White’s world, the show must go on—and Jon Jones is the headliner.

So, here’s to you, Dana and Jon: partners in crime, controversy, and the continued suspension of sportsmanship in the UFC. The rest of us will be here waiting for the next episode in your love story. But don’t take too long—you know, just in case we all lose interest first.