The Untold Story of Jon Jones

    Jones had been unbeaten in the UFC and was widely seen as its marquee star, setting records with each title defense attempt. Jones would face Alexander Gustafsson in his next fight. This would present him with an equally difficult challenge. Jones found herself struggling when her finances began to collapse. The Road to UFC 145 Jon Jones is an esteemed Mixed Martial Artist and one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. A former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and one of modern history's most accomplished athletes, Jones has had both triumphant moments as well as some controversial ones; but Jon is working to clear his image and hopes to return soon to competitive combat sports. Since his return, Jones has undertaken various charity efforts in New Mexico and beyond, such as contributing to food banks. While some may question his motivations for doing this work, Jones knows it is the right thing to do and will continue giving back in whatever capacity possible. Jon Jones remains one of the world's most sought-after mixed martial arts fighters despite his turbulent journey. He boasts an immense social media following and sells out every fight that he fights in. Jon's reputation as one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters has cemented. Additionally, his musical talent has seen songs written about fighting featured on albums dedicated solely to this sport. Jones will return to the UFC following a yearlong ban in 2023 and compete at heavyweight. If an ideal opponent emerges -- such as Ferenc Gyurcsanyi or Francis Ngannou -- it could become one of the year's marquee fights. Jones is currently participating in ROAD TO UFC Season 2. This tournament showcases Asia's premier MMA prospects across four weight divisions, and features one non-tournament fight per event similar to Dana White's Contender Series. Numerous fighters have signed on already, such as ZHANG MINGYANG from China who will compete in Light Heavyweight division. The first round begins May 27 and 28. Part 1 Jon Jones has experienced tremendous success inside and outside the octagon. But it would be difficult to ignore some of his transgressions which marred his personal life outside. Whatever one thinks of Jones' off-the-mat actions, there can be no questioning his status as one of UFC history's finest athletes. At just 20 years old, Jones realized he could be something special upon taking his first professional fight. Winning all five subsequent bouts before dropping out of college to focus solely on MMA, Jones finally secured his first title fight at Untamed 20 in April 2008. Jones proved his worth shortly thereafter by becoming the youngest UFC champion by knocking out Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128 with three devastating rounds. Jones used a mix of athleticism, technical mastery and ring artistry to dominate Rua from virtually all positions over time. Jones went on to dominate the Light Heavyweight division, knocking out several top fighters such as Rashad Evans, Quinton Jackson, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort and Alexander Gustafsson before his title defense against Ovince Siant Preux at UFC 197 in December 2015 was unsuccessful; eventually Jones would succumb to Daniel Cormier via controversial decision but his life and career would still flourish. Jones was arrested early 2021 on charges of domestic violence after an altercation between them that involved their children, leading to him being banned from athletic competition for two years - it remains uncertain when or if his return might occur. As Jon Jones prepares for his long-awaited return to the UFC against Ciryl Gane on Saturday, our friends at HeavyMMA sat down with him to discuss his journey. Their extensive video interview gives viewers a deeper look into Jones' upbringing, his training camp in Albuquerque and those that make up his support system. Part 2 Jon Jones has long been one of the UFC's most accomplished fighters. His in-cage excellence remains unparalleled, setting records such as most title fight wins and youngest fighter to claim one. Unfortunately for fans though, "Bones"' greatness can sometimes be diminished by his transgressions outside the octagon; such as legal troubles, drug testing issues and various money disputes with his company over time. Jones continues to dominate opponents despite all of the controversy that surrounds him. At UFC 214, Jones quickly defeated Daniel Cormier with an array of striking combinations and ground and pound. It was a rematch from their initial meeting back in 2012 where Jones dispatched Cormier in just eight rounds with an immediate stoppage victory. Jones returned from suspension against Erik Gustafsson and used his wrestling prowess to dismantle him completely - using multiple takedowns and ground and pound. Unlike their first meeting, which went undecided in favor of Gustafsson - in their second one-on-one fight. Jones displayed his skill at using length and reach to his advantage, along with a strong wrestling foundation to create submission opportunities in this fight - most notably during a vicious mounted crucifix-to-kimura tapout in round four. Jones has generally avoided submission attempts since being disqualified, yet when necessary has shown willingness to seek and execute them when needed. Some of his notable submission wins include a fourth round rear naked choke against Ryan Bader, standing chokes against Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort as well as an astounding mounted crucifix to kimura submission against Vitor Belfort. On Saturday, Jones will face his greatest test when the fight reaches the mat. Both men are adept wrestlers; however, Jones may have the edge when it comes to subduing Evans on the ground. Part 3 At first, Jones was an all-around talented fighter who could dominate anyone inside the Octagon. Utilizing elite striking, grappling and fight intelligence he won eight consecutive 205-pound title defenses over several years and became the youngest champion in UFC history and one of sport's most dominant athletes. Unfortunately outside the cage however he became involved with controversy such as various arrests, excessive partying and even accidentally running over and killing pregnant woman during a hit and run incident. Jones then ran into legal troubles regarding his use of banned substances, ultimately leading to the UFC revoking his championship belt and giving him a lifetime ban from fighting with them. While out of fighting action, Jones worked as an analyst on their main broadcast team but still made public statements that were highly critical of both them and its leadership. Jones set his sights on becoming heavyweight champion upon returning to fighting and pledged his goal before taking on Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Even though Jones has never competed as a heavyweight before, he feels confident about competing at 230 pounds. Greg Jackson has helped prepare Jones by showing tape of current and former heavyweight champions like Miocic, Ngannou Gane and Curtis Blaydes. As it has been nearly three years since Jones last made his heavyweight debut, it is difficult to predict exactly what he will bring into the ring in terms of physique. Though, one thing can be said of him - preparation is key when facing any opponent; that challenge comes in the form of Ciryl Gane on Saturday night in Las Vegas who should provide an intriguing test against Jones' long-awaited return to top of division.