5 reasons why Jon Jones should never fight in the UFC again

Jon Jones made his UFC debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as an exceptionally talented athlete. He dominated experienced fighters like Vladimir Matyushenko, Ryan Bader and Stephan Bonnar. In 2011, Jones won the light heavyweight title after beating Mauricio Rua at UFC 198. He became the youngest champion in UFC history.

'Bones' defended the title eleven times. His unorthodox style and strong wrestling enabled him to overcome every challenger. However, Jones is also his own worst enemy. Trouble with the law, doping violations and suspensions have derailed his legendary title reign on multiple occasions.

These incidents have not only harmed his career but also the image of the sport in mainstream media.

'Bones' is preparing to make his heavyweight debut. However, a question must be asked: should Jon Jones be allowed to fight in the UFC again? Here are five reasons he should not.

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#5. The UFC has stirpped Jon Jones of his title multiple times

Jon Jones was first stripped of his title in 2015 due to a hit-and-run incident. After dealing with legal repercussions, Jones returned to the UFC in 2016. But before his rematch against Daniel Cormier, he tested positive for estrogen blockers. This resulted in the fight getting canceled.

According to Jones, he had only taken Cialis, a sexual stimulant. He was unaware the pills had been tampered with. In the end, the court ruled in favor of 'Bones' and concluded that the violation was unintentional. However, he was handed a one-year suspension.

His triumphant return in 2017 quickly turned sour as well. After defeating 'DC' at UFC 214, Jon Jones failed another drug test. This time Turinabol was found in his urine. His KO victory was declared a no-contest and Jones was stripped once again.

Facing a four-year suspension, Jones argued that he didn't know how the substance entered his system. After a thorough investigation by an independent arbitrator, he was found innocent. The suspension was reduced to fifteen months.

Finally in 2018, 'Bones' tested positive for traces of Turinabol in his system. After an investigation, USADA ruled that it was residue from his previous ingestion and would remain in his system for some time. He was not punished and has been clean since the incident. However, it begs the question: did the former champion get away with doping before USADA got involved?

#4. Jon Jones' actions and their reprecussions on the UFC

Champions often become ambassadors of their respective sports, but Jones fell woefully short of becoming a role model. UFC champs Chuck Liddell, Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov and others have represented MMA in a positive light.

'Bones' is one of the greatest champions in UFC history. However, he has caused numerous incidents which have only resulted in bad press for the UFC. The promotion's handling of Jones committing repeated offenses has only invited criticism.

The UFC has taken strict action against those caught using banned substances. Nick Diaz and Matt Riddle got cut for marijuana use. However, their unusual lenience towards the former champ has raised questions about credibility. Should the UFC continue to associate with a man who refuses to learn his lesson?

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#3. The lack of accountability

It is not that uncommon for fighters to make mistakes and even champions sometimes make wrong decisions. Khabib Nurmagomedov jumped over the cage and attacked Dylan Danis after beating Conor McGregor in 2018. However, the lightweight champ apologized immediately and never repeated his mistake.

Jon Jones, on the other hand, has failed to learn the lesson time and again. He was removed from the UFC 200 card due to a failed drug test. The former champion broke down at a press conference following the incident. Yet he tested positive for steroids in his comeback fight, negating his previous public apology.

Watch Jones' tearful apology:

In the past, Jones has also shown a lack of remorse. He tested positive for a cocaine metabolite days after defeating Cormier at UFC 182. Later, at the UFC Summer Kickoff press conference, 'Bones' boasted:

''I beat you after a weekend of cocaine.''

These are only two examples of the 34-year-old's general attitude towards his shortcomings.

#2. Jon Jones' troubles with the law

Jon Jones' troubles with the law began with a DWI case in 2012. The cops took 'Bones' into custody when he refused a breathalyzer test. He was later released.

In 2015 after running a red light, the UFC champ crashed into a car, which subsequently slammed into another car. Among the victims was a pregnant woman. Jones fled the scene, but later surrendered to police. He managed to avoid a prison sentence.

Learn more about his hit-and-run incident:

In March 2020, the former champion was arrested again for DWI. He failed a field sobriety test and police found a gun in his car. He received four days of house arrest and 48 hours of community service.

However, in September 2021, the New York resident landed in serious trouble. He was charged with domestic violence, damaging a vehicle and reportedly resisting arrest. In December 2021, Jones took a plea deal. He'll have to pay $750 restitution and attend anger management counseling.

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#1. Getting into trouble in the future

Over the years Jon Jones has apologized for his mistakes on multiple occasions but never truly rectified them. In 2020, he even acknowledged his ''unhealthy relationship'' with alcohol and said he needed to work on it.

However, a year later he was charged with domestic violence. The 34-year old later posted an Instagram story, yet again vowing to leave alcohol in the past. The combined stats of the former champion's issues are staggering. He has over $77,000 in fines, over 250 hours of community service, 42 months of suspension and three stripped titles. These numbers show that Jon Jones is unreliable.

He plans to fight this year and is training with Henry Cejudo. However, in the future, Dana White may come to regret letting someone as unrealiable as Jon Jones fight in the UFC again.