Dana White drops bold verdict on UFC’s greatest rivalry and it’s not Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor

Dana White has seen almost every big fight in UFC history. From wild press conferences to sold-out arenas, the UFC CEO has watched rivalries grow, explode, and change the sport. But when he was recently asked to name the greatest UFC rivalry ever, Dana White did not pick the famous feud between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.

Instead, Dana White said the rivalry that stands above all others is Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier. He shared his thoughts while talking about past UFC moments, pointing to their long history of tension, real anger, and unforgettable scenes both inside and outside the cage.

Dana White says Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier rivalry tops all others

During a recent media conversation in the United States, Dana White was asked which rivalry meant the most to him as UFC president. His answer was quick and clear.

“It would absolutely be those two,” Dana White said, speaking about Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. Their rivalry began long before they ever touched gloves.

They argued in interviews, exchanged sharp words at press events, and even had a heated moment at a hotel in Las Vegas that became one of the most replayed clips in UFC history.

Their first fight happened at UFC 182 in January 2015, where Jon Jones beat Daniel Cormier by decision after five tough rounds.

Two years later, they met again at UFC 214 in July 2017, where Daniel Cormier was knocked out. That result was later changed to a no-contest after a failed test.

Dana White said moments like those are why their rivalry still stands out. “When you are there, you are not there for pictures,” Dana White explained.

“You are there to make sure they do not touch. Once someone feels disrespected, things can move fast.”

White made it clear that the emotion between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier was always real, not forced. Even years after their last UFC fight, the rivalry is still alive.

In late 2025, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier appeared on a Russian reality television show, where old feelings came back.



During filming, the two were seen arguing again. Daniel Cormier later claimed they even talked about the idea of a third match, possibly in wrestling or boxing.

After the show, Jon Jones spoke publicly about the experience. He said he once hoped to fix things between them. But now, he feels their relationship may never change.

Jon Jones explained that while there were small moments where they laughed, most of the time the tension stayed.

He added that the rivalry has followed them for years and still feels personal. Fans reacted quickly online. Many said Dana White’s comments made sense.

While Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor created huge global attention and led to chaos at UFC 229 in October 2018, some believe Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier had a deeper, longer-lasting story.

With both fighters now away from full-time competition, their feud remains one of the most talked-about in UFC history.

And for Dana White, no rivalry has ever matched what Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier brought to the sport.

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