Denial, pain, anger and bargaining, depression, acceptance and cracking wise.
It hasn’t been the best year for Jon Jones. The former UFC light heavyweight champion’s 2015 has been shrouded in controversy.
This week it emerged that Jones was arrested after being involved alleged hit-and-run in which a pregnant women suffered injuries. As a result, the UFC stripped him of his belt and suspended him indefinitely and replaced him with top contender Daniel Cormier in the main event at UFC 187 against Anthony Johnson.
Earlier this year, the promotion revealed that the youngest UFC champion ever had tested positive for a cocaine metabolyte before his bout with Daniel Cormier. After serving one of the shortest rehab stints in history, it looked like Jones was set for a comeback. However, with this latest controversy, we might not see Jones inside the Octagon again for a very long time.
The reaction to the news on social media was extremely varied with some offering their support for Jones while others labeling him as a clown-type figure.
The @ufc did the right thing. Fucked up situation for sure. I just hope the woman he hit in the car is alright. https://t.co/iKfb9qfB4e
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) April 29, 2015
I'm gonna keep my mouth closed with everything I just heard and smile lol
— Rumble Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) April 29, 2015
Looks like I'm going to have to get my fat ass back in the gym tomorrow. LETS GET IT DC @dc_mma #TeamAKA ☝️
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) April 29, 2015
Jon Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight champion. Going to take some time getting used to saying that.
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) April 29, 2015
They call me mini-jones. Dana should've called me up to fill in for the title shot AJ! 😂
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 29, 2015
Being a champion isn't just about winning fights. This was the right decision by the @ufc for the sport and for Jon.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 29, 2015
https://twitter.com/MeansTim/status/593252873854586881
on Jones becomes the first champion in UFC history to be stripped of a title due to disciplinary reasons. @UFC made right call. Get well JBJ
— Gareth A Davies (@GarethADaviesDT) April 29, 2015
https://twitter.com/VinnyMMA/status/593301304874803200
Proud the @ufc took a stand and did what's right
— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) April 29, 2015
Sad day for everyone involved in the @ufc the best fighter in the world is no longer a champion and won't be fighting ANY time soon
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) April 29, 2015
The reaction to the initial reports of Jones’ alleged hit-and-run were a little more humorous.
Told ya
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) April 26, 2015
Everybody needs a break and friends. Life can be complicated.
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) April 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/sonnench/status/592857599512604673
Wtf. What's going on with jon Jones ?? I'm hearing madness
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) April 26, 2015
Crazy to see all this stuff with #jonjones ! The dude never learns and I know because I lived with him 2 years #UFC187
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) April 28, 2015
He's in love with the Coco and he's running from the popo.
— Josh Koscheck (@JoshKoscheck) April 27, 2015
Jon Jones have to know when he do dumb shit he makes all of @ufc looks bad. #notarolemodel
— Derrick Lewis (@Thebeast_ufc) April 27, 2015
hopefully @JonnyBones gets the help he needs to battle his demons.
— Junior Hernandez (@86_JRHernandez) April 27, 2015
idk what's going on with all this Jon Jones stuff but I know I made a TV commercial worthy sandwich. pic.twitter.com/cFK8EbfsO1
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) April 27, 2015
I see the "let's bash Jon" bus, I think I'll wait for the next bus…I will say this at some point making smart decisions needs to kick in
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) April 27, 2015
Can someone please get this man a chaperone.
— Todd Duffee (@ToddDuffee) April 26, 2015
I can only wish the best for JJ. His life is obviously not in the right path and I hope he gets the help he needs.
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) April 26, 2015
Hope the Jon Jones thing is a late April fools,cause that is sad
— Mitch Gagnon (@MitchGagnonUFC) April 26, 2015
