‘Dana White Privilege’ being a real thing in the UFC remains a prominent discussion among fans. Recent developments around UFC 309 and Jon Jones have ignited debate once more. Not long ago, UFC moved an entire card out of Nevada, just for Jon Jones. Now, with the announcement of the new glove change, fans have pointed out a supposed favoritism at work.
During the media day, the mixed martial artist shed light on the whole saga to clear the air. The 38-year-old fighter hasn’t fought in the gloves since they were introduced back in June. Being accustomed to fighting in the old gloves, the champion felt relieved with the news. Moreover, he didn’t like the new design of new gloves at all, as they felt small and uneasy.
They are very uncomfortable for me. I was actually very stressed, ‘How am I gonna go into fight week, wearing these gloves that I don’t even want to train in?’ So when I got a phone call from Hunter recently and he said, ‘everyone on this card are veterans, why put a bunch of vets in new gloves? Give you guys all that you are used to.’…. It was a major to me.
Jon Jones via UFC 309 Media Interview
This answer apparently wasn’t satisfactory enough for the MMA world as it bleed into a major controversy. MMA fans accused Dana White for playing favorites and offering undue advantage to the heavyweight champion. Moreover, it was also suggested that the new gloves aren’t really good and the UFC should get rid of them.
Whatever may be the case, Jon Jones isn’t the only veteran to benefit from this change as the card features many stalwarts. He has simply chalked it up as a happenstance when quizzed about the change. ‘Bones’ even denied having any role in this last-minute switch, despite his clear dislike for the new gloves. Thus, he may have dodged all the blame putforth by the MMA community.
Jon Jones turns down fan theory of linking glove change to Dana White privilege
Jones has been at the receiving end of a lot of criticism for not taking up Tom Aspinall fight. Offering clarity on the matter, he felt Aspinall doesn’t deserve the match-up. In fact, he showcased interest in fighting another UFC Champion Alex Pereira over him for a super fight. This could close the door for Aspinall to get an unification bout, as Jones will likely give up his title in pursuit of other fights.
Heavyweight champion was once again grilled about the controversy surrounding the gloves. The Albuquerque resident stated he wasn’t consulted before making this change. On top of that, he even confirmed to not even making a request in this regard with the UFC.
🚨 Jon Jones clarifies that he did NOT request the UFC to change the gloves back to the old ones
“This was not my request. This was brand new news to me.”
🎥 @CCLegaspi #UFC #MMA #UFC309pic.twitter.com/aIX1n66smB
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 13, 2024
Jones is on the cusp of calling it a career after the conclusion of UFC 309, but despite teasing retirement, he showcased interest in sticking around for more. One key factor to postpone his retirement would involve his next performance and if he can make it look easy. This news will come as a surge of positive energy for fans, who are hoping to keep the superstar for a little longer.
