White: Jon Jones is the story of what could be have been
Dana White: “To not be able to see Jon Jones perform the way he could have … really sucks.”
UFC president Dana White appeared recently on FOX Sports 1’s Undisputed and discussed UFC 232 co-headliner Jon Jones, the once and future king at light heavyweight, and perpetual f*** up.
Probably the greatest to ever do it, said White, as transcribed by Dan Hiergesell for MMA Mania. Had he stayed on track and done all the right things in his life and in his career God knows what this guy could have accomplished. He could be the LeBron of the sport. Could be the heavyweight champion of the world and the light heavyweight champion of the world.
Jon Jones right now is the story of what could he have been. If this guy can win on Saturday night, try to pull his life together, and try to put together a nice little run here with the time that he has left — as a professional athlete you never know how long that is — he could go down as the greatest ever.
White was asked of if ‘Bones’ was the most frustrating fighter he ever dealt with.
As UFC’s frontman, White has had to deal with all of Jones’ issue firsthand. It hasn’t been easy and White will be the first person to tell you that. But at the end of the day, White’s disappointment in Bones only exists because the former UFC champion is so darn talented.
The most,” replied White. The most of anybody I’ve ever dealt with. He’s so talented. … I love the sport of fighting so much, and I love watching guys who are that talented. And to not be able to see Jon Jones perform the way he could have … really sucks.
Jon Jones fights Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232, tonight.