Jon Jones breaks silence after new arrest in the US: 'Sad for letting people down'

J. Jones prepares to defend his UFC title. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @jonnybones

Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and period of social isolation, the UFC light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg.),Jon Jones, was in the news last week when it was arrested in Albuquerque (USA) for drunk driving and negligent use of a firearm. Almost a week after the incident, and after complying with the one year sentence on parole, the athlete broke his silence and spoke about the new controversy involving his name.

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“As we all work to understand and cope with the stress and uncertainty surrounding the current state of our world, I want to express how truly disappointed I am to have become the source of a negative headline again, especially during these difficult times,” he wrote. Jones. “I'm disappointed to disappoint the people I care about most: my family, my friends and my fans. This morning I entered into an agreement with the Albuquerque Public Prosecutor's Office. I accept full responsibility for my actions and know that I have some personal work to do that involves the unhealthy relationship I have with alcohol,” Jon said in a letter sent to 'MMA Fighting'.

Even admitting blame, the MMA icon stated that the incident does not minimize his duty as a citizen and claims to continue helping in whatever is necessary so that people can overcome one of the biggest health crises in the history of the world.

“I have dedicated so much time and energy to improving my community, and I will not allow this personal defeat to get in the way of my work within the community when we need it most. I truly appreciate the support I have received from the Albuquerque community and all of my fans around the world. I'm very anxious to put this (the incident) in the past. Thank you to all of you for your continued love and support and please take care of yourselves.”

This is not Jones' first public apology. Just as he racks up victories in the Octagon, the mixed martial arts legend has become something of a magnet for trouble outside of his sport. Among the main controversies involving light heavyweight are accusations of sexual harassment, car accident and subsequent escape and doping cases in Ultimate.

Even without a clean record, the fighter remains one of the biggest names in the sport in history. At 32 years old, the American today has 28 appearances as a professional in MMA, achieving 26 triumphs and having only one setback (lost due to disqualification in 2009) and one unsuccessful fight (he won, but had the result reversed after being caught in doping, in 2017).

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