When it comes to UFC rivalries, most fans immediately think of the explosive feud between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. But here’s where it gets controversial: Dana White, the UFC CEO, recently snubbed this iconic matchup, claiming another rivalry takes the crown. Could there really be a feud more intense than the one that led to a bus attack, arrests, and a post-fight brawl at UFC 229? Let’s dive in.
Dana White has witnessed some of the most bitter and personal conflicts in MMA history, but he insists one stands above the rest. While Khabib vs. Conor is undoubtedly the most famous, White believes the rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier outshines them all. And this is the part most people miss: their feud wasn’t just about fights—it was personal, chaotic, and unforgettable.
Their first encounter at UFC 182 in 2015 saw Jones outpoint Cormier over five grueling rounds. Two years later, at UFC 214, Cormier was knocked out, only for the result to be overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for turinabol. But the real drama? Their press conference brawl, which Dana White still recalls vividly over a decade later. “It would absolutely be those two,” White said, emphasizing the raw intensity of their rivalry.
White described the challenge of managing such heated moments: “When you’re there, you’re not there for a photo op. You’re there to make sure these guys don’t touch or disrespect each other. Once somebody feels disrespected, they’ve gotta get theirs in. I don’t care who you are—you’re not stopping it once these guys decide to go.”
Fast forward to today, and the Jones-Cormier saga continues. The two recently reignited their rivalry on a Russian reality TV show, with Cormier claiming they agreed to a trilogy bout in wrestling or boxing. However, Jones now believes they’ll be ‘enemies for life,’ calling Cormier a “stuffy, just d—head” and criticizing his personality. “I tried to make peace with him many times, and he made it very clear that he wants to be enemies for life because of how lucrative it is,” Jones said.
Is Dana White right? Does Jones vs. Cormier truly surpass Khabib vs. McGregor as the greatest UFC rivalry? Or is this just another example of White’s controversial takes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And while you’re at it, tell us: what’s your pick for the greatest UFC rivalry of all time? Join the debate and share your insights—we want to hear from you!
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