Before joining the UFC and cementing his legacy as the greatest fighter of all time, Jon Jones had a harrowing encounter at the age of 17.
Jon Jones’ career in combat sports has often been accompanied by controversy, both within and outside the cage.
When ‘Bones’ made his promotional debut in 2008 at just 21 years old, the MMA world recognized that they had discovered a truly exceptional talent.
Jon Jones recalls a frightening experience during his time in jail at 17. His UFC career has unfortunately been marred by legal issues, all of which have been widely reported on.
UFC CEO Dana White has openly acknowledged that he has had a complicated relationship with Jones, despite his unwavering support for him as the pound-for-pound champion.
Jones has reflected on a disturbing moment from his youth, explaining, “The longest time I did (in jail) was 3 months, when I was a young kid, I got in a fight with a guy outside his house and they considered it burglary,” during an interview on Alex G Was Here.
He continues, “I think I was 17 and went to jail for it… I didn’t fight anyone in jail, but there was this guy who told me, ‘You’re not like me, you grew up on the wrestling team. If you got me down, you’d think you’ve won.’”
Jones recounts how the inmate threatened him, saying, “If I knock you out, I’m gonna drag your leg over to a wall and stomp your kneecaps out.” He recalls the deep-seated fear he experienced at that moment: “I was shook… I was terrified.”
Despite the fear he felt then, Jones reflects on that time humorously, noting, “It’s funny now, though, because fast forward, now it’s very hard to intimidate or scare me.”
In the present, Tom Aspinall seeks to challenge Jones’ will. Following his recent title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, Jones is contemplating unifying the heavyweight title with interim champion, Tom Aspinall.
Although ‘Bones’ initially showed reluctance to face the swift Aspinall, he seems to have warmed up to the idea of this fight.
At the UFC Tampa post-fight press conference, Dana White expressed his confidence, stating he is “100% confident” that Jones will indeed choose to face Aspinall before he retires from the UFC.
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