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Patrick Blennerhassett

What to do with Jon Jones?
Everyone in the MMA world is probably asking this question right now, including Jones himself. He seems completely irredeemable after yet another run in with the law. This time it was in Las Vegas, after last Thursday’s UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, where he was inducted into the fight wing for his classic first battle against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 in 2013.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion (26-1, one non contest) – who has been involved in several controversies, and had his belt stripped three times as a result of disciplinary action – was playful with the media during the event. He spoke eloquently like he always does, giving us all the impression he had his house in order.
But then Jones did what he always seems to do – he let himself go out and things got out of hand. This time it resulted in a two charges: one for domestic violence, and the other for head butting a police car. Some disturbing details of the incident later emerged in a report by TMZ, including that his fiancée had blood on her face and clothes, and that one of his children had urged hotel security to call the police.


After a fourth arrest since 2012, many now think the 34-year-old is unsalvageable, and it is tough to argue with them – domestic violence does not fall into the category of acceptable shenanigans whatsoever.
The question now is, what does the UFC do with him? UFC president Dana White admitted his frustrations last weekend, and hinted that he has had enough.
UFC 266 takeaways: Volkanovski starting to get respect he deserves
“Here we are again,” he told a press scrum after the UFC 266 weigh-ins. “It’s not even shocking any more. When we bring him here, it’s almost expected. We can’t even get him in Las Vegas for less than 12 hours to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame. It’s a problem. The guy has a lot of demons.”
White could certainly cut his losses and walk away, and say Jones has used up all of his second chances. But the UFC boss is surely thinking this is a last resort, and he’s shown leniency in similar situations. White, like most of us, loves a good comeback story. But there comes a time when the comeback gets lost in the fall.

Greg Hardy, who has a tarnished image dating back to his time in the NFL when he was charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend in 2014, is a good example of how White is willing to give guys multiple chances. Hardy got those charges dropped on appeal, after the victim failed to appear in court to testify, however the NFL still suspended him, and he still found it tough to be cast as anything but a villain.
The 33-year-old American’s MMA career doesn’t seem to be panning out, but White definitely has guys he’s willing to invest in regardless of knee-jerk judgments, and give them chances to rise from the ashes like a phoenix. He knows this because this is what draws viewers – great storylines along with great fighters.
Jones still has serious marketing power, and there is no denying if he ever did step in the ring at heavyweight for a super fight against champion Frances Ngannou, the event would be one of the biggest UFC fights of all time. That is probably where White’s nagging thoughts are chewing at him – cutting Jones is letting a once-in-a-generational talent walk out of the door, and that is a decision you can never take lightly.
Jon Jones could finally be out of second chances in the UFC
There is no denying White wants Jones to step into the Octagon again, but he’s also shown it will be on his terms, and Jones is not the type of guy who can make demands now, more so than ever after this latest incident.
White could flip the script, go to Jones, tell him he’s welcome to fight former champ Stipe Miocic, and set that bout up post-haste. That would give MMA fans a chance to remember what it’s like to watch a Jones fight: it is an incredible spectacle, an awe-inspiring display of raw talent mixed with lethal skills; it’s a symphony of violence performed in the most artistic of ways.




















View this post on Instagram























A post shared by BONY (@jonnybones)



Miocic would be a perfect lamb to the slaughter and suddenly the MMA world would have a new chapter in the Jones storyline to key on, rather than reading about all the things he’s done outside the octagon that has landed his mugshot on TMZ. Jones pulverising someone at heavyweight would light the blogs and websites afire, and the news cycle would churn out headline after headline: ‘Jon Jones is back’.
But this option seems like a Hail Mary now, a last-ditch effort that could come from White in hopes of redeeming one the of the fighters who helped build the UFC into what it is today. White has a difficult decision to say the least, or he could wait and see how this all pans out in the courts before rendering his own verdict.

If White does end up cutting Jones, it leaves a plethora of questions. Would he consider fights outside the UFC, in more promotional style settings? At 34, Jones is no longer in the prime of his career, and many thought his heavyweight excursion was going to be a one- or two-off – grab a belt, retire and walk off into the sunset with one last massive payday.
That narrative has gone out of the window, and we’re left with the same questions: will this guy ever fight in the UFC again? Will it be of his own volition, or has Jones’ time finally run out? Is collectively deciding to move on to other things and a new generation of talent our only option as MMA fans?
Only two men really know the answer to these questions, and right now it seems like the chances of Jones getting back in the Octagon and producing some magic are somewhere between slim and none.

It would appear a small miracle is needed for one last dance involving the UFC’s “GOAT” (greatest of all time). Indeed, there might be no bigger indicator that the UFC is ready to move on from the Jon Jones circus than seeing him drop off the top of the promotion’s pound-for-pound rankings this week.
Over 18 months of inactivity didn’t seem to matter, but dragging the UFC into negative headlines once again did the trick.


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Jon Jones

Is Jon Jones redeemable or should Dana White and the UFC finally walk away for good?

Jon Jones’ mugshot after his latest arrest in Las Vegas. Photo: AP

FILE - In this July 7, 2016, file photo, mixed martial arts fighter Jon Jones cries as he speaks during a news conference in Las Vegas. Jones was scheduled to fight Daniel Cormier at UFC 200 but was pulled from the event because of a potential violation of the UFC's anti-doping policy. UFC interim light heavyweight champion Jon Jones will serve a doping ban until next July after an arbitration panel denied his appeal of a positive test. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2019, file photo, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones attends a news conference for the UFC 235 mixed martial arts event in Las Vegas. Former mixed martial arts champion Jones was jailed in Las Vegas early Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, after a predawn incident at Caesars Palace that police said led to his arrest on charges of domestic battery and felony damaging a vehicle. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 29: Jon Jones looks on prior to a fight against Daniel Cormier in the Light Heavyweight title bout during UFC 214 at Honda Center on July 29, 2017 in Anaheim, California. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

UFC: Jon Jones could finally find himself out of second chances as Dana White admits ‘this guy’s got a lot of demons’

Jon Jones reacts as he speaks during a news conference in Las Vegas in 2016, following an announcement that he had been suspended for a doping violation. Photo: AP

Jon Jones celebrates after his win against Anthony Smith in a light heavyweight mixed martial arts title bout at UFC 235, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 29: (R-L) Jon Jones knocks out Daniel Cormier during the UFC 214 event at Honda Center on July 29, 2017 in Anaheim, California. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Jon Jones, left, delivers a kick to Dominick Reyes, right, during a light heavyweight mixed martial arts bout at UFC 247 Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

UFC: Jon Jones arrested, charged with battery domestic violence after Hall of Fame induction

Former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones attends a news conference for UFC 235. Photo: AP

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: (L-R) Dominick Reyes and Jon Jones in their UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout during UFC 247 at Toyota Center on February 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

UFC 266 takeaways: Alex Volkanovski starting to get respect he deserves with star-defining performance

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski cheers on the Las Vegas Raiders against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Allegiant Stadium. Photo: AFP

Valentina Shevchenko, left, celebrates after defeating Lauren Murphy during a women's flyweight mixed martial arts title bout at UFC 266, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Sep 25, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Valentina Shevchenko lands a hit against Lauren Murphy during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 25, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alexander Volkanovski lands a hit against Brian Ortega during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Sep 25, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Robbie Lawler gestures toward Nick Diaz during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 25, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Robbie Lawler meets with Nick Diaz following his TKO victory during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

UFC 266: Alex Volkanovski says Conor McGregor ‘sounds like he’s drunk’ with tweet – ‘good on him, so am I’

Alexander Volkanovski celebrates with a ‘shooey’ during his post-fight press conference after his win against Brian Ortega at UFC 266. Photos: AFP

LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 25: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia speaks during his post fight press conference after his win against Brian Ortega in their Featherweight title fight during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 25: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia celebrates during his post fight press conference after his win against Brian Ortega in their Featherweight title fight during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

UFC 266: Alex Volkanovski says Brian Ortega guillotine choke was ‘I’m-about-to-lose-the-belt deep’

Brian Ortega tries to submit Alexander Volkanovski with a guillotine choke. Photo: AFP

Sep 25, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alexander Volkanovski reacts following his victory and title defense against Brian Ortega during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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Mixed Martial Arts


Former light heavyweight champ arguably greatest of all-time, but latest brush with the law for domestic violence could be point of no return
‘Bones’ could get back in the cage against Stipe Miocic and add a new chapter to his legacy as right now the emphasis is once again on legal issues



Former light heavyweight champion’s latest brush with the law for domestic violence could be point of no return, with several indications the UFC is willing to move on.


Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

The Takedown

The Takedown | Is Jon Jones redeemable or should Dana White and the UFC finally walk away for good?

Former light heavyweight champ arguably greatest of all-time, but latest brush with the law for domestic violence could be point of no return ‘Bones’ could get back in the cage against Stipe Miocic and add a new chapter to his legacy as right now the emphasis is once again on legal issues

Former light heavyweight champ arguably greatest of all-time, but latest brush with the law for domestic violence could be point of no return

‘Bones’ could get back in the cage against Stipe Miocic and add a new chapter to his legacy as right now the emphasis is once again on legal issues