A glance at Jon Jones` storied career in the UFC reveals a staggering list of achievements that solidify his claim as perhaps the greatest fighter ever. However, his history is also significantly marked by numerous incidents and issues outside the octagon.
From a DWI arrest shortly after a major victory over Rashad Evans, to a hit-and-run involving a pregnant woman, and domestic violence allegations, Jones has faced a multitude of legal troubles throughout his time in the sport. Beyond police involvement, he also tested positive for cocaine just weeks before his bout and subsequent win against Daniel Cormier.
Despite this pattern of problematic behavior, fellow UFC veteran Matt Brown dismisses the notion that Jones` many missteps genuinely impact the legacy he leaves behind following his retirement.
“We’re going to remember him as the greatest ever still,” Brown stated on The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast. “All that s***, that’s what I guess the nitpickers and the hardcore people, that’s what they’re going to be talking about. Look, he fights in a cage for our entertainment and he did it at the highest level that’s ever been witnessed on this planet. I don’t respect the other s*** he did, I don’t think anyone does… But do we really care?”
Brown continued, emphasizing his perspective on how Jones should be viewed:
“There’s a million people out there doing terrible s*** all the time. He did that terrible s*** and continued to be the best in the world’s asses. So I’m not justifying what he did or anything but I speak the name Jon Jones out of my mouth because of his fighting. That’s all I care to talk about with him… All I remember is what I’ve seen on TV. That’s all I care about. What is that other s***, it’s basically irrelevant. In my opinion, he should be remembered for what he did inside the cage and this s*** outside, is a completely separate, irrelevant thing.”
Beyond the legal issues, which often caused him to miss significant time in the UFC due to dealing with their fallout, Jones also had drug testing failures. Notably, a positive test caused his planned fight at UFC 200 to be canceled and led to his knockout win over Cormier in their rematch being overturned to a no-contest.
Brown concedes that Jones` history concerning performance-enhancing drugs – allegations Jones has consistently and forcefully denied – are perhaps the only legitimate asterisk attached to his remarkable UFC career.
Regarding Jones` numerous legal entanglements, Brown contends that these issues ultimately didn`t prevent Jones from facing virtually every significant challenger he was meant to, with the possible exception of a potential late-career fight against Tom Aspinall before his retirement.
“I don’t see where it got in his way that much,” Brown commented. “He beat everybody’s ass that was a potential challenger. There was never a time where this guy needs to fight Jon Jones and it didn’t happen. Now we’re talking about the tail end of his career. We knew he was on the way out anyway… Some people are going to make the argument that he ducked Tom Aspinall and I’ll shoot that down right now. He’s not ducking Tom Aspinall. Maybe he’s not interested in that tough of a fight. I’ll give you that if that’s what you want to say. Ducking? Get the f*** out of here.”
While not downplaying the severity of Jones` actions, Brown, drawing from his own experiences, acknowledges how personal troubles can significantly impact a fighter`s performance and career.
Brown expressed particular astonishment at Jones testing positive for cocaine weeks before fighting and still delivering a decisive victory against Daniel Cormier in 2015.
“I’ve seen less f*** ups really f*** up someone’s fight career,” Brown remarked. “I’ve done a lot of cocaine in my life. It’s been a long time… I cannot imagine for the life of me going out to a professional fight, nonetheless against a f***ing Olympian [Daniel Cormier], one of the greatest fighters ever and having a f***ing chance.”
“I can’t even imagine walking out. I can’t imagine weighing in or walking out. That is a special, special motherf***er.”
Ultimately, everyone is entitled to their own perspective on Jones` legacy. However, Brown maintains that his focus remains solely on Jones` undeniable achievements within the UFC octagon.
Could Jones have reached an even more untouchable status had he avoided these controversies? Perhaps. But according to Brown, Jones` career remains remarkably successful regardless.
“Had he not done all those things, yeah, he probably could have fought more often and I think he could be 60-0 right now if he wanted,” Brown speculated. “In the light heavyweight and heavyweight division, there wouldn’t be a single guy in the division who didn’t lose to Jon Jones. He just beat everybody.”
“He got out of his own way enough to have 14 title defenses and go undefeated. It’s like how much more greatness do we want out of the guy?”
