UFC heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones has long been a dominant force in the fight industry, consistently staying at the pinnacle of the sport. However, his journey to the top hasn’t been without personal struggles and controversy, shaping him into a celebrated and infamous figure. Despite facing numerous setbacks, ‘Bones’ repeatedly defied the odds, bouncing back from each hiatus and continuing to stand at the top of his division, even after a decade.

Throughout his career, Jon Jones has faced numerous legal issues that resulted in prison sentences, some gaining widespread public attention, while others remained more private. In a recent interview on Alex G’s YouTube show, ‘Bones’ reflected on his troubled past, sharing that at the age of 17, he spent three months in prison. When the host asked if Jones had ever fought any prisoners during his time in jail, Jones responded, “I did not, I did not, man.”

However, ‘Bones’ further went on to describe a chilling encounter with another prisoner. Jon Jones recalled, “He [prisoner] was like, ‘Bro, you’re not like me. You grew up, you know, on the wrestling team. He was like, you probably… if you got me down on the floor, you probably think the shit was over and you won.” The prisoner then threatened, “If I knock you out, I’m going to drag your leg over to a wall, put it up against the wall, and stomp your knees out.”

Even now, two decades later, the memory of that encounter still haunts Jones. Reflecting on it, ‘Bones’ recalled, “I’ll never forget when he stomped the floor. I sat there with a straight face like I wasn’t scared, but deep down, I was terrified.” Although it was his first time in prison, ‘Bones’ struggles didn’t end there. In addition to his suspension from the UFC for a d**ing violation, Jones has found himself involved in five separate incidents that led to his arrests. Yet, these are only a few chapters in the ongoing saga of the heavyweight champion’s tumultuous journey, which he has recently opened up about.

Jon Jones and his troubles with USADA

Jon Jones’ contentious relationship with anti-d**ing agencies, particularly USADA, has been well-documented in the fight world. Despite USADA no longer working with the UFC, ‘Bones’ continues to demand that the no-contest ruling on his fight be overturned, calling it a stain on his MMA legacy. The saga between the heavyweight kingpin and USADA began in 2016, when Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole, resulting in his removal from UFC 200, where he was set to rematch Daniel Cormier. After serving a one-year ban, Jones maintained that the positive test was due to contamination, not intentional use.

However, the controversy reignited in 2017 following Jones’ victory over Cormier. USADA once again accused him of testing positive for Turinabol, leading to ‘Bones’ being stripped of his title. Although his suspension ended, the Nevada State Athletic Commission remained unconvinced, as trace amounts of the banned substance still lingered in his system.

In a recent social media post, Jones reflected on his frustrations with USADA, writing, “Man, I survived USADA. First, they said I was guilty of having picograms, then they considered me innocent. Next, picograms became legal. Guess what, I’m still here, still unbeaten. That BS no contest over DC needs to be taken off my record. I’ve never cheated this sport, and I will stand by that until the day I die.”

What’s your take on Jon Jones’ journey, considering the legal battles and controversies he’s faced? Do you believe he’s fortunate to remain at the peak of success despite the tension throughout his career? Or is it all a testament to his unwavering determination? Share your thoughts below.