After dropping Jon Jones GOAT promo, Dana White 'really excited' about AI determining UFC rankings
LAS VEGAS – Dana White decided to remind everyone of UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ greatness during Tuesday’s broadcast of Dana White’s Contender Series 70.
The UFC aired a promo hyping up Jones, a former two-time light heavyweight champion, as the “GOAT” while boasting his accolades and achievements through the years. When asked about the video, White sarcastically acted like he wasn’t aware of it.
“What?” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters at the DWCS 70 post-fight news conference. “I was in the back. I didn’t even see it air. I didn’t even know that they aired that tonight.”
White has taken major issue with MMA media ranking lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira above Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) in the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings. After addressing the media about the Jones video, White said he looks forward to artificial intelligence (AI) technology being able to replace a panel of experts in determining the rankings.
“Did you guys read the stats?” White asked the media. “He recently just beat the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. Hope you guys read that stat. You know what is f*cking great about technology? We’re not far away from AI actually doing these rankings, and it’ll be a great f*cking day when AI starts doing this sh*t. I’m really excited about that.”
Jones hasn’t competed since claiming the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023 with a first-round submission of Ciryl Gane. His first title defense is targeted against Stipe Miocic Nov. 16 at UFC 309 from Madison Square Garden in New York.