Jon Jones rival names better option for UFC White House event after backing Dana White’s stance on the GOAT

Chael Sonnen supports Dana White dashing Jon Jones’ White House hopes

White caused a stir with his remarks, but they don’t seem to have pushed Jones off the comeback trail.

The former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion controversially opted to retire instead of fighting Tom Aspinall. But he announced plans to return in his nation’s capital just weeks later.

While Jones is still envisioning a White House outing despite the UFC president’s words, his longtime rival Chael Sonnen believes White was right to rule ‘Bones’ out.

“I haven’t thought a lot about (the event) because it is a year away, but I’m telling you, that time is going to be used as a reward,” Sonnen said on The Ariel Helwani Show.

“Everyone on the roster wants on that card. But it’s not a matter of, ‘I’ve done this, I’ve won that’.’ Jon Jones, for example, ‘I’m the greatest fighter of all-time.’ Yeah it’s true, but you didn’t travel the roads. You didn’t set up the ring, take your turn driving the semi-truck. You don’t deserve a reward.

“I’ll remind you. It’s not going to be anyone that’s been retired,” Sonnen continued. “No one is going to take those glorious spots, except for the people who earned them. By showing their loyalty back to the industry, to the company.

“Jon does not deserve to have a main event spot on the White House card.”

Chael Sonnen has an alternative to Jon Jones in mind

During the same interview, ‘The American Gangster’ pitched a couple of alternatives for the White House event.

Alex Pereira will return at UFC 320 in October looking for revenge against Magomed Ankalaev. Sonnen believes ‘Poatan’ has earned his spot at next year’s July 4 celebration, alongside the man he cornered in Tampa last December.

“There are some other guys that I think carry some pretty heavy water,” Sonnen said. “Alex Pereira comes to mind. Colby Covington I believe is a lock for that card.”

Covington has not competed since a one-sided loss to Joaquin Buckley. He’s been vocal about his desire to compete outside the White House given his connection to President Trump.