Conor McGregor joins an exclusive quartet as UFC president Dana White reveals his MMA Mount Rushmore, while an undefeated legend faces a harsh exclusion.

Dana White has joined the ranks of combat sports personalities participating in the Mount Rushmore trend, including Conor McGregor among the top MMA fighters.

Since assuming the role of president of the UFC back in 2001, White has witnessed numerous fighters grace the octagon over the years.

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While some fighters competed in only a few bouts, others carved out Hall of Fame careers, dominating their weight classes or securing titles across different divisions.

However, only a few have made an impact that goes beyond the octagon.

The Mount Rushmore concept invites MMA personalities to select their top four fighters, with criteria varying from overall influence on the sport to pure fighting skill.

Based on White’s selections, it appears he prioritized their contributions rather than technical prowess, although all were exceptional fighters in their own right—except one, who is still active.

Given White’s consistent defense of him in the discussion about the UFC’s pound-for-pound champion, it was expected that Jon Jones would be his first pick.

Currently the UFC heavyweight champion, Jones hasn’t fought since March of last year but is determined to defend his title against Stipe Miocic, regardless of Aspinall’s interim championship status.

Following Jones, White named female MMA trailblazer Ronda Rousey as a key figure in his Mount Rushmore. « You have to go with Ronda Rousey, » White stated on ESPN. « Women wouldn’t be fighting in the UFC if it wasn’t for her. »

Rousey is widely acclaimed as a pioneer for women’s MMA, once headlining an event in front of over 56,000 fans at UFC 193.

Georges St-Pierre also figures prominently on White’s list, as does McGregor, whom White firmly believes « absolutely, positively » deserves a spot on his Mount Rushmore.

White remarked, « He accelerated and changed the game globally. » It’s hard to dispute his assessment of McGregor, especially since the Irish fighter is responsible for eight of the ten highest-selling UFC pay-per-views.

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While McGregor is still officially part of the UFC roster, he has not fought since a serious injury during his trilogy match against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

He was slated to return at UFC 303 in June against Michael Chandler but had to withdraw due to a broken pinky toe.

White’s selections are somewhat aligned with those of UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, who also named McGregor and gave Rousey an ‘honorable mention.’ Bisping’s other choices included Royce Gracie, a participant in the inaugural UFC event in 1993, and Fedor Emelianenko, often considered one of the greatest MMA fighters despite never competing in the UFC.

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Interim heavyweight champion Aspinall also toyed with his own Mount Rushmore, selecting St-Pierre and Jones despite previously challenging Jones.

Aspinall added Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated with a 29-0 record.

While White admires Khabib, he did not include him in his selections.

Aspinall wrapped up with his own choice of Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson, a legendary flyweight who just retired last Saturday.