'Relationship between Jones and UFC needs repairs', says businessman

Jones (photo) is now cleared to return to fight for the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

The relationship between Jon Jones and the UFC has gone through several moments of turbulence in recent years. And, now that the light heavyweight division fighter is cleared to return to the Octagon, his manager, Malki Kawa, admitted that there is work to be done to repair the relationship between the two parties.

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Jones was champion of the 93 kg category between 2011 and 2015, establishing himself as one of the great fighters currently active. However, success in fights did not prevent disagreements between the American and his bosses, especially UFC president, Dana White.

The first big problem happened in 2012, shortly before what would be the UFC 151 event. Jones would defend his belt against Dan Henderson, but, at the last minute, the veteran was injured and was unable to fight. Ultimate even proposed that Chael Sonnen was his replacement, but Jones refused a new opponent due to the short time he would have to adapt. Thus, the entire event was canceled, and, in the public eye, Jones was considered responsible.

Jones ended up facing shortly after Vitor belfort, and won by submission. However, it was later discovered that the Brazilian had failed an anti-doping test in the weeks before the fight – Jones accused Ultimate of omitting the result so as not to cancel the duel.

Years later, Jones was involved in a traffic accident, in which he ran a red light and hit a car being driven by a pregnant woman. The fighter had his belt taken away and was suspended, but Jones declared that White never showed concern for his well-being.

In an interview with the podcast “The MMA Hour”, Jones' manager stated that the relationship between the two parties is not a bed of roses, but that it still needs improvement. “I think the relationship with the UFC is OK. I think it's a professional, working relationship. I think there is still a lot of repair that needs to happen, on both sides. There are some things that need to be clarified and debated, and I think that will happen,” he commented.

It seems that Jones will return to the octagon in April, immediately challenging the new champion of the 93 kg category, Daniel Cormier.

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