Jon Jones’ 2015 got off to great start, as he bested rival Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 and looked to continue his lengthy reign with a UFC 187 matchup against Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. Things took a drastic turn in April with his hit and run in New Mexico, and he’s finally expected to return in April of this year after putting that incident behind him.
In a new post on Instagram on Friday, Jones vowed to move forward in a positive manner after some professional highs and personal and professional lows last year.
“When you’re faced with a challenge in life the significance of your past achievements can be erased in a matter of seconds,” Jones wrote. “At that moment, the only thing that counts is the person you are in the present. We are not defined by our past success, or even our failures. The same way I am no better than anyone for the things I have been able to achieve, I am also no worse than anyone for some of my failures. At the end of the day, it is all about what you have learned and how you’re taking control to improve your life.
“Starting today, January 1st, I am moving forward with a clean slate. I am discrediting the level of success I have achieved and working harder than ever before to win it back. I am also forgiving myself for the moments I’m not proud of. Today I am strong. I am experienced, but still very far from perfect. I am renewed and ready to conquer new challenges in the future.”
Jones is expected to face Daniel Cormier for the Light Heavyweight Championship upon his return, a title he had stripped from him after his accident in April, though no official date or location has been set.
Penick’s Analysis: Jones seems to be in a good place right now, which is a good thing. If he’s learned from his mistakes to the point they won’t be made again, we should expect a return to prominence quickly. Jones has always been an incredible talent, and now that he’s gone through what should hopefully be rock bottom for him, he can get back to doing what he does best in the cage. He’s saying and doing a lot of the right things right now to get back from the hole he dug for himself, now it’s on him to stick on that path.
[Jon Jones art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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