Former UFC champ Jon Jones says after his hit-and-run accident last year, one of his trainers badmouthed him publicly.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has noted multiple times that, after his hit-and-run accident a year ago, he lost many things. That included all of his endorsements, which included a massive deal with Reebok, his UFC light heavyweight championship and his job with the UFC. He also lost respect from people across the world including fans and other fighters.
Jones says that everyone close to him — his family, friends, teammates and trainers — had his back throughout the difficult times. Except for one trainer.
“I had a trainer that I had found out had been badmouthing me in the community and things like that,” Jones revealed to FOX Sports Radio. “That was one of the moments that really hurt me a lot because me and my coaches and business partners we’re really like a family. We do everything together and we’ve come a long way together. So to have a trainer of mine kind of chirp me, that was one of those moments where I was like ‘man.’
“But at the same time, you get to see who’s really there for you when you go through situations like that. My closest friends, family, and team, they really rallied around me and we got closer and then you lose a few people along the way and you’ve got to be grateful for the opportunity to see a little more clearly.”
Jones did not confirm the trainer’s name or what area the trainer specialized in. The former titleholder also did not say whether or not he still works with him (although one could imagine that is doubtful).
Jones returns to the cage against Ovince Saint Preux with the interim title on the line in the main event of UFC 197 this Saturday. The event takes place live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.