When recently asked to describe the
Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO in one word, Jones said
White is an “asshole.†However, the former double champ made sure
to emphasize that he describes White as such “right now†and
clarified that he loves White for changing his life.

Jon Jones explains why he called Dana White an ‘asshole’ after
UFC split with Tom Aspinall

The relationship between Jones and White soured amid the
promotion's efforts to book him against Tom
Aspinall. “Bones†ultimately vacated the heavyweight
championship, drawing the ire of the UFC head honcho. Nevertheless,
White continues to proclaim Jones is the GOAT despite their past
differences.

While their working relationship has seemingly hit a low point,
Jones admits that he'll always be grateful for the opportunities
afforded to him by the UFC.

“Right now, I'll say asshole,†Jones told ALF Global. “But I love
him, no matter what. He is my boss and he changed my life. But he's
an asshole right now.â€

Jones has indicated that he's still open to an Octagon return, but
his current priority is mentoring heavyweight up-and-comer Gable
Steveson.

Undefeated welterweight contender Michael
Morales has been tabbed as the official backup for the
championship bout between Islam
Makhachev and Ian Garry,
which headlines UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in
Philadelphia.

Michael Morales becomes UFC 330 backup for Islam Makhachev vs.
Ian Garry title fight

Morales (19-0) has confirmed that he has been instructed to make
championship weight (170 pounds) and remain on standby should
either Makhachev (28-1) or Garry (17-1) be forced to withdraw due
to injury, illness or any other unforeseen circumstance.

The assignment marks another significant milestone for the
Ecuadorian prospect, who has rapidly emerged as one of the
division’s top contenders. Morales has remained unbeaten through
seven Octagon appearances and secured the biggest victory of his
career with a first-round knockout of Sean Brady
in November last year.

The
Dana White's Contender Series alum has also built significant
momentum, in terms of both results and popularity, winning three
consecutive Performance of the Night bonuses in his last three
outings.

Zuffa LLC

Islam Makhachev took no pleasure seeing Conor McGregor's short-lived return end with a knee injury.

McGregor was expecting to defy the odds in his first bout in five years against Max Holloway. The “Notorious†one made his grand entrance, but the fight barely made it past the one-minute mark. The Irishman threw a jumping kick, but his right knee buckled. It became apparent that McGregor couldn't continue, and the fight with “Blessed†was called off.

Complex recently spoke to Makhachev, who said he was lookin forward to seeing how McGregor would've looked if the injury never occurred.

“Honestly, I feel bad,†Makhachev said. “I knew Max was gonna beat him, but not fast like this in the first minute. I want to see how he fight after five years, and honestly, feel bad when this happens.â€

Despite McGregor's heated rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team, “Mystic Mac†and Makhachev have been complimentary of one another. McGregor recently urged Makhachev to avoid retiring anytime soon because his best has yet to come.

In the caption of an Instagram video, McGregor said he is working on a 2027 return. He labeled his next fight as “the last dance.†McGregor has said he needs to face Holloway in a trilogy bout given how their rematch played out. UFC CEO Dana White told reporters that McGregor has a long road to recovery from his ACL and meniscus injuries.

Makhachev will be looking to make his first successful welterweight title defense at UFC 330 on Aug. 15. Ian Machado Garry will be challenging Makhachev for the 170-pound gold in Philadelphia. Garry recently compared the build to his clash with Makhachev to McGregor's historic 13-second knockout win over Jose Aldo back in 2015.

What do you make of Islam Makahachev's reaction to Conor McGregor's knee injury? Drop a comment below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM