When it comes to the top four UFC fighters of all time, Dana White didn’t blink when revealing his list.
The so-called “Mount Rushmore” of MMA gets debated constantly but the UFC CEO definitely had his names ready when asked that question ahead of UFC 306 on Saturday. While White’s list isn’t exactly surprising, he also mentioned why a couple of people in particular have to occupy a spot among the greatest fighters to ever compete in the UFC.
“You’ve got to go with Jon Jones,” White said emphatically when speaking to ESPN. “You have to go with Ronda Rousey. Women would not be fighting in the UFC if it wasn’t for her.
“You would have to put GSP (Georges St-Pierre) in there and absolutely, positively Conor McGregor. He elevated and changed the game globally.”
The first name on White’s list shouldn’t surprise anybody given the way he’s consistently touted Jones as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport and the greatest of all-time when it comes to MMA. Considering Jones has never truly tasted defeat during his career and he’s competed in 16 title fights — the most in UFC history — his place is pretty secure.
As far as Rousey goes, she’s a UFC Hall of Famer and former bantamweight champion who was certainly the catalyst needed for White to change his stance on never allowing women to compete in the octagon. At her height, Rousey was one of the biggest stars in the sport and she ran roughshod over her opposition until running into Holly Holm in 2015.
While her exit was disappointing after two straight knockout losses, Rousey’s impact on the UFC is still felt to this day.
Much like Jones, Georges St-Pierre put together a ridiculous career with title reigns in two weight classes and the most title defenses in welterweight history with nine straight. He’s second only to Jones in total title fight wins in the UFC with 13 and he’s got a laundry list of statistical records on his resume.
Finally, McGregor’s star power definitely put the UFC on another stratosphere as far as popularity and attention goes. His record hasn’t been stellar lately with a 1-3 record over his past four fights with McGregor last appearance happening back in 2021.
Still, White says that McGregor’s place in history is firmly cemented not to mention his accolade as the first UFC champion to hold two titles simultaneously is just another feather in his cap.
