Bones says he's grown since his DWI arrest

8/21/2012 (Updated 11:31:33 PM)

When Jon Jones entered the UFC in August of 2008 things came easy.

Jones rose through the ranks and became the light heavyweight champion in just two and half years. So you can understand the surprise of everyone when Jones does something wrong.
     
The Endicott native is not one for mistakes, but his biggest came this past May when the champ was arrested for driving while intoxicated.

After four months of legal proceedings Bones had his licensed suspended, and was forced to have an interlock device installed in his vehicle. As he prepares for his latest title defense, Jones tells FOX 40 he's grown as a person from his legal setback.

"I'm actually grateful it happened, because things could have been so much worse for me. I could be sitting around in a jail cell somewhere thinking about what I ruined. I could be on trial for injuring someone, says Jones.

It couldn't have happened at a better time in my life. I've grown, and I'm going to continue to grow from this situation. And I'll be forever more responsible. I'll be a better man because of it all."

Jones is set to defend his title one week from Saturday against Dan Henderson at UFC 151 in Las Vegas.


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