Dana White: “Jon Jones is a freak of nature”

This Saturday’s upcoming light heavyweight title has arguably garnered more press attention than any other in recent memory due, in part, to the clear disdain between champion Jon Jones and challenger Rashad Evans.

UFC President Dana White however, has been quick to point out that either man could easily win on Saturday despite the betting lines heavily favouring the young champion.

Jon Jones is a freak of nature in mixed martial arts. Here’s a guy who got into the UFC after only a couple of years of training, came right out and started beating top guys using spinning elbows and all these other crazy moves, and he then wins the UFC title at only 23 years old.

Jones is already on his way to being one of the best fighters to ever hold the UFC light heavyweight belt, which is phenomenal if you look at the killers who’ve held this belt.

But anyone who counts Rashad Evans out of this fight is out of their mind. Look at what he has done: he won the Ultimate Fighter as a heavyweight, then not only beat – but stopped – champions like Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, and also beat top contenders like Michael Bisping, “Rampage” Jackson, and Phil Davis.

He’s been in the UFC since 2005. It is 2012 now, and in that time he’s lost once. Rashad Evans is the most underrated fighter in the entire sport. No-one can deny he is one of the best fighters, pound-for-pound in the world.

I’m pumped for Jones v Evans. This is going to be historic fight for the division on April 21. – DANA WHITE

Event: UFC 145

Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

When: Saturday 21st April

Main Card (PPV/ESPN)

Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans (light heavyweight championship)

Rory MacDonald vs. Che Mills

Ben Rothwell vs. Brendan Schaub

Michael McDonald vs. Miguel Torres

Mark Hominick vs. Eddie Yagin

John Alessio vs. Mark Bocek

Preliminary Card (FX/UFC.TV)