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Jon Jones vs Conor McGregor debate settled by boxing star ahead of UFC White House event

Originally posted on HITC | By Jordan Ellis | Last updated Nov 27, 2025 6:38 AM ET

The boxing star sides with the UFC heavyweight champion as Dana White considers his 2026 headliner.

The UFC’s landmark card at the White House is still seven months away, but the battle over who should top the bill has already sparked fierce debate. Jon Jones has made it clear he wants the historic main event on June 14, 2026, while Dana White has openly argued that Conor McGregor would be the “more reliable” option.

Now, boxing star Ryan Garcia has stepped into the conversation — and he disagrees entirely with the UFC CEO. For him, Jones is the safer bet.

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Ryan Garcia backs Jon Jones as the “more reliable guy”

Garcia believes Jones is far more dependable than McGregor, despite Jones recently pulling out of a $30 million deal to fight Tom Aspinall. The boxer argues that McGregor’s four-year absence from the cage makes him a bigger question mark.

“I would say Jon is more reliable for sure,” Garcia told Covers.com. He noted that Jones has competed more recently and suggested the heavyweight’s demands for better pay are understandable. Calling Jones “probably the greatest UFC fighter of all time,” Garcia insisted the champion deserves to headline the White House event.

Garcia sets sights on WBC welterweight title

Away from the UFC drama, Garcia is preparing for his own high-stakes moment. The 27-year-old has not fought since losing to Rolly Romero in May but has secured a shot at the WBC welterweight belt.

Garcia will face champion Mario Barrios — Manny Pacquiao’s final opponent — on February 21 at a venue still to be confirmed. Announcing the fight on social media, he promised fans “MAGIC” as he attempts to become a world champion at 147 pounds.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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