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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, does not like veteran mixed martial arts (MMA) referee, “Big” John McCarthy, and has previously petitioned Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to keep the longtime man in black from officiating his fights.
It appears the feeling is mutual.
McCarthy was a recent guest on the “Weighing In” podcast with host and former UFC lightweight Josh Thomson to discuss Jones’ latest arrest in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Bones” was charged with aggravated DWI as well as negligent use of a firearm and possession of an open container.
“You are a world champion inside the cage. Outside the cage, you’re an absolute loser,” McCarthy said. “If I was in charge of the UFC, I would cut him. Not only would I take his title, I would cut him. And if Bellator wanted to sign him, I would do everything I could to say, ‘Why are you doing that, don’t even think about it.’ Because all he’s going to do is bring you bad press.”
Friends of the “kind and noble” Jones, however, have argued for leniency.
“It is absolutely incomprehensible that this man cannot control his actions,” McCarthy continued. “When he’s being arrested, ‘Oh I just want to be with my kids.’ No, you had the chance to be with your kids. You decided to go out and and drink and drive and shoot guns and you decided to take that ability away. You decided that. No one made you.”
UFC can release the embattled champ, or get him some help as this longtime rival suggests.
Jones, 32, was last seen capturing a narrow decision victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 back in February. He’s expected to appear before the judge on April 8 for a bond arraignment hearing, assuming the coronavirus quarantine doesn’t force the court to reschedule.