#880 - Jon Jones

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Jon Jones Discusses Fatherhood Aspirations and Public Perceptions

  • Jon Jones shares his experience of raising four daughters and the 'fighters' curse' of having girls.
  • He explores the potential for gender selection surgery to have a son, referencing celebrities Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.
  • Jones reflects on his maturity and spiritual beliefs regarding parenthood and divine timing.
• 00:06:45

  Jon Jones Opens Up About Challenges and His Upcoming Grappling Match

  • Jones reflects on his tumultuous journey and expresses disappointment in himself, particularly regarding a past car accident.
  • He discusses the difficulty of addressing media questions repeatedly ahead of his match against Dan Henderson.
  • Despite a low public profile since UFC 200's cancellation, Jones trusts Joe Rogan to represent his thoughts authentically.
• 00:08:38

  John's Reckless Life: Partying and the Car Accident that Changed Everything

  • John describes his life filled with partying and substance use despite being a successful athlete sponsored by Nike and Gatorade.
  • After a car accident, John felt disoriented and made the poor decision to flee the scene rather than check on the other driver, a pregnant woman.
  • The incident served as a harsh reality check for John, who recognized he had taken his career and responsibilities for granted.
• 00:12:47

  Facing Consequences: John's Terror of Harming an Innocent Pregnant Woman

  • Upon realizing he had hit a pregnant woman, John was filled with fear for the woman's health and potential consequences, including legal repercussions.
  • He expressed feelings of guilt, shame, and self-loathing, reflecting on how his actions made him feel like a monster.
  • Despite the public scrutiny, John's family and friends continued to support him, urging him to get his life back on track.
• 00:18:49

  Jon Jones Discusses Inner Peace and Personal Growth Post-UFC

  • Jon Jones reflects on overcoming personal demons and achieving peace in his life away from fighting.
  • He emphasizes the importance of focusing on family and daily life rather than being affected by social media negativity.
  • Jones acknowledges his financial stability, suggesting he fights out of a sense of responsibility rather than necessity.
• 00:21:15

  Jon Jones Reveals Career Patterns and Challenges in Fight Preparation

  • Jones admits to a history of partying before fights as a psychological strategy but recognized it impacted his performance.
  • He discusses the unpredictability of opponents like Ovin St. Preux and the pressures affecting his fight mentality.
  • Jones shares his shift in training focus from martial arts to powerlifting and the accompanying challenges in conditioning for fights.
• 00:28:36

  Jon Jones' Transition from Powerlifting to MMA Endurance Training

  • Jon Jones discusses his experience working with trainers who primarily coached endurance athletes rather than powerlifters.
  • After taking seven months off from martial arts, Jones struggled to regain his fight timing and creativity for his match against Ovin St. Pru.
  • Despite concerns about diminished endurance due to increased muscle bulk, Jones found success in his power and strength during the fight.
• 00:36:43

  Jon Jones' Journey Back to Jiu-Jitsu and His Dominance in Submissions

  • Jones reveals he is now focused on wrestling and jiu-jitsu, shifting away from striking to avoid head injuries.
  • He acknowledges his impressive record of six submissions in light heavyweight history, surpassing legends like Ken Shamrock.
  • Jones expresses newfound love for jiu-jitsu, which he had previously neglected during his MMA career.
• 00:39:16

  John’s Journey to Sobriety: From Party Animal to Fitness Enthusiast

  • John discusses the selfish nature of martial arts and the importance of giving back to fellow fighters.
  • He reflects on his party lifestyle and how sobriety changed his social circle, losing many friends after becoming sober, but finding joy in new sober activities.
  • After 16 months of sobriety, John emphasizes enjoying life without alcohol while developing healthier habits like mountain biking and jiu-jitsu.
• 00:46:38

  John Jones Defines a Healthy Relationship with Alcohol After Recovery

  • John explains his past reliance on alcohol for social interactions and the challenges he faced in developing a mature relationship with drinking.
  • Despite recognizing the risks, John feels confident in his ability to manage alcohol consumption responsibly in the future.
  • He contrasts the psychological and physical aspects of addiction and shares insights into his personal growth and understanding of moderation.
• 00:49:45

  John Jones: Confronting Alcohol and Marijuana Struggles

  • John Jones reflects on his past relationship with alcohol and admits to making bad decisions due to partying.
  • He shares experiences of public intoxication and acknowledges the pressure of being a public figure.
  • Jones discusses his excessive marijuana use, describing how it affected his motivation and daily activities.
• 00:56:02

  John Jones' Journey of Growth and Self-Realization

  • Jones highlights his evolution, feeling more mature and gaining perspective on his past behaviors.
  • He recognizes the pressure of fame and how it has impacted his choices, but asserts he hasn't thrown away his career.
  • Inspiration from Bernard Hopkins' story motivates Jones to commit to discipline and open possibilities for his future.
• 00:59:07

  Bernard Hopkins: A Hall of Famer Rising from Adversity

  • Bernard Hopkins overcame his arrest and time in jail, using negativity as motivation.
  • He emphasizes the importance of discipline and control over one's destiny.
  • Hopkins' journey reflects the potential for redemption and inspiring others through personal struggles.
• 01:06:04

  George's Comeback & Controversy: From Hit and Run to Positive Drug Test

  • George discusses his past mistakes and the importance of inspiring others from his experiences.
  • He faces scrutiny after testing positive for estrogen blockers, linked to steroid use.
  • George reflects on the public perception of him and the resilience to overcome personal failures.
• 01:13:47

  John Jones and the Contaminated Cialis Scandal: How a Pill Ruined His UFC 200 Fight

  • John Jones unknowingly ingests a tainted Cialis pill that leads to a failed drug test.
  • The test results come just days before his highly anticipated UFC 200 fight.
  • Jones experiences intense anxiety and confusion upon learning he will not be allowed to fight.
• 01:56:12

  The Fallout of the Failed Drug Test: John Jones's Fight for Redemption

  • Jones reflects on his long journey to reclaim his position in the UFC before the failed test.
  • The incident reveals the lack of education regarding USADA regulations among fighters.
  • Investigation into the Cialis pill uncovers contamination issues from a dubious laboratory.
• 01:19:29

  Jon Jones' Controversial Suspension Due to Contaminated Pills

  • Jon Jones describes how he unknowingly took a contaminated sex enhancement pill, resulting in a year-long suspension from USADA.
  • He emphasizes that the trace amounts found in his system didn't enhance his performance, raising concerns about the fairness of the zero tolerance policy.
  • Jones reveals his disappointment in letting down fans at UFC 200 but expresses optimism about his future and growth.
• 01:26:27

  The Impact of UFC Changes and Jon Jones' Comeback Plans

  • Jones discusses missing UFC 200 and looks forward to returning to competition, expressing excitement about the title picture in his absence.
  • He shares his thoughts on the new UFC management and his past relationships with former owners, emphasizing his hopes for future interactions.
  • Jones also highlights critical issues in mixed martial arts, particularly the dangerous practice of extreme weight cutting and potential contradictions in fighter safety regulations.
• 01:13:47

  Jon Jones Critiques Dangerous Weight Cutting in MMA, Shares Personal Experiences

  • Jon Jones expresses his strong disdain for weight cutting and its dangerous effects on fighters' health.
  • He shares insights from discussions with Ari Emanuel and Dirk Nowitzki, highlighting the need for fighter safety.
  • Jones contrasts his own weight management with extreme examples like Travis Luter and Conor McGregor to emphasize the risks of dehydration.
• 01:56:12

  Jon Jones Advocates for New MMA Weight Classes While Maintaining Fight Preparation

  • Jones suggests the addition of a 225-pound weight class to reduce the significant jump from 205 to heavyweight.
  • He discusses his preparations for future fights without heavy sparring to preserve his health and prolong his career.
  • Jones emphasizes the importance of training in a supportive environment, like Jackson's MMA, while ensuring safety for all fighters.
• 01:39:54

  Jon Jones on Sparring Etiquette and New Fighters at Jackson's Gym

  • Jon Jones emphasizes respect and humility when new fighters approach him for sparring.
  • He shares experiences with aggressive fighters trying to prove themselves, advising caution in interactions.
  • Jones recalls instances of dangerous encounters during training with aggressive sparring partners.
• 01:43:48

  Jon Jones Discusses the Power of Visualization and Mental Discipline

  • Jones explains his past meditation practices and how they transitioned to visualization techniques.
  • He highlights the importance of mental strength in overcoming challenges, referencing figures like Les Brown and Tony Robbins.
  • Jon reflects on his ability to detach from situations, allowing for objective self-assessment and growth.
• 01:09:44

  Chael Sonnen's Submission Underground: Grappling with Eddie Bravo Rules

  • The chapter discusses the experience of grappling with two opponents where the speaker successfully tapped them out quickly.
  • Subscription-based online streaming is introduced for Submission Underground events, offering a new pay structure for fighters.
  • Eddie Bravo's Invitational Rules are explained, showcasing a unique format to avoid draws in grappling matches.
• 01:12:45

  Dan Henderson's Retirement: A Journey in the Ring with Joe Rogan

  • The conversation highlights Dan Henderson's retirement from MMA and potential to grapple with the speaker as a significant end to his career.
  • Roberto Alucar, a five-time world champion in jiu-jitsu, is mentioned as an influential coach guiding the speaker's growth in the sport.
  • The speaker expresses newfound love for jiu-jitsu and how it will impact their future fighting style moving forward.