Jones prefers any referee over John McCarthy

John McCarthy is one of the most respected officials in the sport of MMA, but don't count Jon Jones among his admirers.

Speaking at a media lunch on Tuesday to promote his UFC 200 light-heavyweight title bout against Daniel Cormier on July 9, Jones was frank when asked for his thoughts on "Big John" being assigned to their match.

"I would prefer any other referee but him," Jones said, according to Dave Doyle of MMA Fighting.

Jones declined to elaborate on exactly what his issue is with McCarthy, other than what he views as unpleasant experiences between the two in "some fights" and "personal interactions."

Due to the stakes being so high for the competitors, "Bones" feels that fighters should have some influence on who is allowed to oversee their bouts.

"He (officiates) probably once a week somewhere," Jones said. "For me, this is my life, this is my story, this is my legacy. This is everything to me, and if I don't agree with his energy that he brings to the fight, if I was him, I wouldn't want to be a part of it. You know what I mean?

"If you're not welcome, why would you even want to be part of someone's big night who doesn't want you there? I would say, 'you know, I'll back out of this one, I don't need to be a part of this one.'"