https://youtu.be/kv_VWTb1HK0
Dana White and Jon Jones haven’t exactly been on the best of terms since Jones’ hit-and-run incident and subsequent hour-long interview with Ariel Helwani where he claimed, among other things, that UFC knew about Vitor Belfort being on steroids going into their UFC 152 fight and let him fight anyways, a claim White disputes.
Regardless, when White spoke about Jones during his appearance on ESPN earlier this week, he couldn’t help but step into his promoter shoes to sing the praises of his former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
“He’s actually doing really well and I don’t know if you follow him on Instagram, but he’s been in the gym. You won’t believe him when you see him. He has completely transformed. This guy is jacked. He’s been lifting, like powerlifting. He’s huge right now.”
White elaborated, pointing out that Jones still intends to win back the title that he never lost in the Octagon in the first place, coincidentally enough from the last gyuy he fought and beat, current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier.
“He’ll still be a light heavyweight, but he’s planning on making that move to heavyweight. He definitely is. Jones looks awesome. He’s one of those freakish kind of athletes, he might be the best who’s ever done it. He might be the best that’s ever been in the game. And he’s one of those freakish athletes that could [have success at both weight classes]. I mean, look at his brothers. Chandler is having an incredible season with the Patriots right now. He’s a freak of nature, this guy could do anything, and it’s good to see his head clear. And trust me, I’d rather see him in the gym than, you know.”
While still unofficial at this point, the belief is that Jones and Cormier will fight again in the first or second quarter of 2016, a fight that will help draw what will likely be among the most purchased pay-per-views in UFC history.
Featured above is White’s complete appearance on ESPN from this past Thursday, and below is one of the videos Jones posting on social media that shows him working out and adding muscle and size to his frame.
226 lbs right now and feeling amazing! #BelieveInTheProcess pic.twitter.com/xe788Wvyme
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) November 4, 2015