Mike (right) admitted he was responsible for mistakes made by Jones (center). (Photo: Esther Lin / MMA Fighting)
The history of extra-octagon controversies Jon Jones has increased considerably in recent years, but, according to Mike Winkeljohn, one of the former light heavyweight champion's trainers along with Greg Jackson and Brandon Gibson, the fighter is not solely to blame for the mistakes made.
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“There have been many disappointing moments from Jones in the past. And that, in a way, is our responsibility, because we didn't guide him properly. But last time, it was just childish. He wasn't cheating or anything like that, and I don't know why the media propagated it like that. He simply hasn't been smart enough and I think they're crucifying him because of his past problems,” said Mike, in an interview on 'The MMA Hour' (USA).
Winkeljohn also emphasizes that he will need to be stricter with his pupil, who, according to him, can only be defeated by a single 'opponent': himself.
“I think about it, yes. I think I probably should have pulled his ear more or that kind of thing. He practically made his own bed, there's no doubt about that. But luckily we continued to keep in touch with him, and I think he's turned the corner. That's basically what he always said, no one can win Jon Jones, just himself. So that’s not going to change, but I’ll probably be a little tougher on him,” she concluded.
Jon Jones hasn't fought since April this year, when he defeated Ovince St Preux at UFC 197 and won the interim light heavyweight belt. He was scheduled to fight against Daniel Cormier at UFC 200, in July, but he was caught in a drug test with just three days to go before the event and was removed from the card. Suspended for a year, his return to the octagon is scheduled for July 2017.
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