Dana White and Michael Jordan (Image source: Getty images)
The NBA world’s legendary Michael Jordan, whose illustrious career set a high bar for future basketball players. Interestingly, UFC President Dana White believes that Jordan’s competitive spirit and athletic prowess could have made him a standout in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) as well.
During an appearance on Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe’s podcast “Club Shay Shay,” White expressed his admiration for Jordan. He shared his belief that Jordan’s fierce competitiveness and drive could have dazzled MMA fans.
“You gotta go with Jordan. Jordan is a killer. I’ve spoken about Michael Jordan many times. Never met him, don’t know him, don’t want to meet him. I like him too much. I respect him too much. I love his killer instinct. Don’t want to meet him. Respect him to death,” White shared.
The UFC President is a huge fan of the Jordan Brand, often seen wearing Jordan’s socks and shoes. White has even watched “The Last Dance,” the acclaimed documentary about Jordan’s basketball dynasty, three times. The documentary chronicles Jordan’s career and the Chicago Bulls’ dominance in the 1990s.
Michael Jordan’s 40-Year Legacy
Michael Jordan was drafted third overall in the 1984 NBA Draft, which marked the 40th anniversary of this storied draft.
40 years ago today, the #Bulls drafted Michael Jordan with the 3rd overall pick. pic.twitter.com/6b4GO3LUWq
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) June 19, 2024
Throughout his career, Jordan, who once took Lavell Crawford’s joke seriously, built a strong resume. His stunning resume includes six NBA championships, six Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs, 11 All-NBA selections, 14 All-Star appearances, 9 All-Defense selections, 10 scoring titles, and a Defensive Player of the Year award.
In the history of the NBA Finals during the shot-clock era (since 1955), Jordan holds the top two spots for the highest percentage of team points in a Finals game. In 1998, he scored 51.7% of his team’s points in a Finals game; in 1993, he accounted for 49.5% of his team’s points. Jordan’s closest competitors are Elgin Baylor and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recorded 48.4% and 47.6% respectively.
Even four decades after his draft, he remains the gold standard against which all other players are measured.
