Jon Jones: I Hit Rock Bottom, Lost Everything

Jon “Bones” Jones may very well be the most talented fighter to have ever entered the cage. He may be the reigning pound-for-pound king, and may own the most UFC light heavyweight title defenses of all-time.

For all of his successes, however, Jones has endured just as many hardships and struggles outside of the cage.

The most notable of his troubles came last April when Jones was arrested on felony hit and run charges in New Mexico, forcing the UFC to suspend him indefinitely, and strip him of his long-held 205-pound strap.

Now just over a month away from his highly anticipated return against champion Daniel Cormier at April 23’s UFC 197, Jones admits that his latest fiasco was the tip of the iceberg that led him to realize what he was throwing away:

“Everyone’s life, we’re all on different journeys. Some people mature faster than others. Sometimes it takes people a few more mistakes to realize what they have and what they’re messing up. For me I felt this last situation brought me to my knees,” Jones said recently at the “UFC Unstoppable” press conference. 

“I lost respect nationwide. I lost my endorsements. I lost my job. I lost so much and for me this was rock bottom.”

Could it be that the pressures of being champion were just too much for “Bones”? Or perhaps he was just another young superstar with boatloads of cash and endless opportunities for mishap staring him in the eye.

Whatever it was, it appears as if Jones needed some time away, some time to himself.

One year later, the pound-for-pound king is ready and motivated to take his belt back from his most bitter rival:

“Over the last year I’ve had the chance to be alone and work on my character outside of being an athlete,” Jones said. “Today I stand here five months sober, feeling amazing, feeling rejuvenated and I’m excited to get back in here, get on the right track and put on some exciting fights for you fans.”

Will Jones be back on top of the throne after his rematch with Cormier next month?