Ahead of UFC 320, Cory Sandhagen made a controversial and intriguing pick for his country’s all-time greatest fighter, bypassing one of the sport`s biggest names.
Jon Jones has long been considered the premier contender in the perpetually polarizing UFC GOAT debate, boasting an unparalleled résumé on MMA’s grandest stage. `Bones` is frequently among the first names listed on fans` and fighters` MMA Mount Rushmore. However, many dispute his claim, often citing his past failed drug tests as their primary reasoning. Interestingly, Sandhagen goes further, not even ranking the former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion as the best America has to offer.
Cory Sandhagen Picks Chuck Liddell Over Jon Jones as Greatest American Fighter
Preparing for his UFC 320 bout against Merab Dvalishvili this Saturday, Cory Sandhagen participated in a `Best Of` segment with TNT Sports. He was asked to name the leading figure in various categories, from the best current UFC fighter to the most effective trash talker in the game.
One of the topics that elicited a surprising answer from Sandhagen was the best American fighter of all time. While many would automatically pick Jones, the 33-year-old instead chose the legendary Chuck Liddell. The former UFC light heavyweight champion is widely celebrated as a pioneer of the sport and was rightfully inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame back in 2009. Sandhagen further emphasized his view by picking middleweight great Anderson Silva as his overall GOAT, again overlooking Jones.
Dana White Predicted to `Cave In` to Jon Jones` White House Request
Despite his recent retirement, Jon Jones has expressed a strong desire to participate in a significant national celebration in 2026. As the UFC prepares for an event on the White House lawn to commemorate 250 years of American independence, debate over who should headline the occasion rages on.
Conor McGregor insists he will be fighting, and while Dana White has given the Irishman his approval for the show, he publicly rejected Jones` plea to return for the event. The UFC CEO cited the light heavyweight legend’s perceived unreliability as the reason for dismissing his return plan. However, former two-division champion Henry Cejudo believes White will ultimately “cave in” to Jones` wishes.
On his Pound 4 Pound podcast, Cejudo argued that a potential fight between Jones and Tom Aspinall should headline the event over McGregor, stating:
“USA vs England…and I do believe that Jon Jones takes out Tom Aspinall within the first championship round. This should be the main event. Of course (over McGregor). Conor McGregor’s a felon, bro. I’d be surprised he’s even gonna be walking inside the damn White House.”
Cejudo continued:
“It should be that way (Jones headlining) just based on merit. President Dana White is gonna cave in, bro…and he’s gonna give Jon Jones that opportunity.”
