Jon Jones: I'm 'about to win a world title' and 'they're talking about tickets?'
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones landed in the news this week after it was revealed that he recently was cited on a traffic stop for not having his license, proof of insurance or registration.
Considering Jones is serving 18 months of probation for a hit-and-run accident last April, it seemed like a big deal, especially if the Bernadillo County District Attorney's office decided to count that as a criminal offense.
Well, as it turns out, the entire ordeal was much ado about nothing because Jones will avoid any kind of hit on his probation. The situation was really just a routine traffic stop and the former light heavyweight champion just didn't happen to have his information with him at the time.
Following the news reports that surfaced and the subsequent follow-ups that proved Jones wasn't in any real trouble, the former champion posted a video on his Instagram addressing the issue as he prepares for a showdown with Daniel Cormier at UFC 197 in April.
"Guys, I've gotten my sobriety back, almost five months sober now," Jones said. "Living happier and healthier. Got rid of a lot of people who didn't need to be in my life. Completed 65 appearances, talking to the youth in the community, about to win a world title in a few weeks and they're talking about tickets?"
Obviously, Jones wasn't in any actual trouble and the traffic stop really didn't amount to much outside of a routine court appearance on Wednesday, where he'll deal with the ticket he received for not having his information with him at the time.
Ultimately the good news is Jones isn't facing any kind of problems stemming from the traffic stop, and he's still on course to face Cormier in April with a chance to regain the light heavyweight title he never actually lost.
Later in the day after the traffic ticket situation died down, Jones sent out another post -- this time via Facebook -- talking about his own redemption and offering inspiration to others who could follow from his example.
"I'm dedicating my redemption to anyone out there who feels as if they've failed or are currently failing themselves in life," Jones wrote. "I want you to know that there is still so much greatness inside of you, even if you feel you haven't displayed it yet. Never lose hope or lose sight of your goals/dreams or what you may look like at your true potential.
"Believe a bright future was meant for you. Know that you are still in the race. Dreams coming true are possible for those who refuse to give up. Feel free to make a change."
According to Jones, he has stayed sober over the last several months as he gets his career back on track and stays focused on regaining his light heavyweight title and cementing his place as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
