Cory Sandhagen, a prominent fighter scheduled for UFC 320, recently shared an intriguing choice for the greatest American fighter in UFC history.
In the perennial and often divisive debate over the “Greatest Of All Time” (GOAT) in the UFC, Jon Jones has consistently been a top contender. Few have amassed a record comparable to `Bones` on such a grand stage, leading many fans and fellow fighters to include the Rochester native on their metaphorical MMA Mount Rushmore. However, some observers do not consider Jones the GOAT, frequently pointing to his past drug test failures. Furthermore, Sandhagen himself doesn`t regard the former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion as America`s absolute best.
Cory Sandhagen Crowns Chuck Liddell as the Premier American Fighter, Bypassing Jon Jones
Sandhagen is set to face Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 320 this Saturday, aiming to become the latest American to claim gold in the sport`s leading promotion. During the fight week, `The Sandman` participated in a “The Best” segment with TNT Sports, where he identified top figures across various categories, from the current best UFC fighter to the most effective trash talker.
One particular topic that elicited a surprising response from Sandhagen was the greatest American fighter of all time. While many would instinctively name Jones, the 33-year-old instead selected the iconic Chuck Liddell. The former UFC light heavyweight champion is widely acknowledged as a leading pioneer in MMA and was inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame in 2009. Given this selection, it was hardly surprising that `Bones` was also overlooked when Sandhagen named middleweight legend Anderson Silva as his overall GOAT pick.
Dana White Expected to Yield to Jon Jones`s White House Event Request
Despite his retirement just a few months prior, Jones has expressed a strong desire to participate in a major national celebration slated for 2026. As the UFC plans an event on the White House lawn to commemorate 250 years of American independence, discussions are intensifying over who should headline this historic occasion.
Conor McGregor has asserted his intention to fight, and while UFC CEO Dana White has approved the Irishman`s participation, he has publicly rejected Jones`s plea to return for the event. White cited the light heavyweight legend`s past unreliability as his reason for dismissing the comeback plan. However, Henry Cejudo predicts that White will ultimately “cave in” to Jones`s request.
“USA vs England… and I do believe that Jon Jones takes out Tom Aspinall within the first championship round,” Henry Cejudo stated on his Pound 4 Pound podcast. “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. It should be that way (Jones headlining) just based on merit,” he continued. “President Dana White is gonna cave in, bro… and he’s gonna give Jon Jones that opportunity.”
