One fan, and he’s an influential one, leading that GOAT conversation lately has been Dana White, Jones’ boss and president of the UFC. He has gone out of his way in media appearances to make sure anyone inquiring about the best pound-for-pound fighters hears the words “Jon” and “Jones” in succession.

Jon Jones has simultaneously given Tom Aspinall good and bad news ahead of UFC 309, where “Bones” will defend the heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic. Jones, a former two-time light-heavyweight champion, won the vacant heavyweight belt in March 2023 ...