Dana White: Jon Jones might be the best MMA fighter in history
Dana White and Jon Jones have had a strained and contentious relationship since at least 2012, when the UFC president effectively blamed Jones for a canceled event after Dan Henderson concealed an injury, pulled out, and "Bones" then refused to fight Chael Sonnen as a replacement with just days' notice. Still, White defended Jones for the myriad personal mistakes he's made that have resulted in court dates and his being stripped of the light heavyweight title.
"It's never good when bad things happen, but at the end of the day, I don't care what sport you're talking about or any other walk of life -- everybody's human," White said this week on ESPN's "First Take."
"People are going make mistakes. It's going to happen. We deal with them, we roll with the punches. I think it matters more how we deal with these situations when they happen than when the thing is actually happening."
Based on Jones' Instagram account photos, White maintained that Jones is on the right path, these days. "He's actually doing really well. I don't know if you follow him on Instagram, but he's been in the gym," he explained.
"You won't believe him when you see him. He has completely transformed. This guy is jacked. He's been lifting -- like power lifting. He's huge right now."
Not only is Jones getting in shape, White went on to propose the idea that he may already be the best fighter in MMA history. "Jones looks awesome. He's one of those freakish kind of athletes. He might be the best that's ever done it," he posited.
"The best that's ever been in the game. Look at his brothers. [Chandler Jones] is having an incredible season with the [NFL's New England] Patriots. He's a freak of nature, this guy can do anything. It's good to have his head clear. Trust me, I'd rather see him in the gym than . . . you know."
