In 2011 White discussed hard road ahead for Jones
Jon Jones won the title on March 19, 2011, knocking out Shogun at UFC 128. Afterwards UFC president Dana White predicted that Jones’ real challenge lay ahead.
Former UFC light heavyweight Jon Jones won the title at UFC 128 on March 19, 2011, knocking out Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. Immediately afterwards UFC president Dana White spoke with Ariel Helwani, and predicted that Jones’ real challenge lay ahead.
“Jon Jones got through a tough test tonight,” said White. “The real challenge starts now. When you become the UFC champion, and you have the charisma and the personality and all the things that Jon Jones has, this kid looks like he could be a breakthrough star that appeals to many different people.
“But this is where the real challenge begins. Every scumbag, dirtball, what I call Klingons, all the Klingons, the barnacles, they’re probably trying to glom on to him right now, as he’s trying to walk to his car and get back to his hotel.
“Here’s where the real challenge begins. He seems to be a grounded kid, smart guy, has a good family around him and people that care about him. So hopefully he can get through the nastiness that’s going to come at him.”
(3:00 min mark)