We know Jones isn't perfect, but most fans cried fraud whenever he pretended different: albeit through a nike-endorsed shirt proclaiming #NotQuiteHuman, or advocating Christian ideals while engaging in illegal activity. What we do know now is Jon Jones doesn't want to pretend anymore. Jones is both a Christian and a sinner, which are not mutually exclusive. Yet now he's learned what Tyson and the recently dethroned Rousey can attest: the pressure of portraying perfection is impossible in the public spotlight. The times Jones didn't bend to social pressures, he was often met with unfair corporate reprimand and fan backlash. When Jones refused to fight at UFC 151 against a last-minute opponent in Chael Sonnen, the outrage was not against the UFC but Bones, as if it was his fault the diluted card fell through. Jones merely made an educated business decision, as well as his coaches' fair estimation of his preparedness. Most of us can't imagine, or at least haven't achieved being a millionaire by 23 for fighting grown men in a cage. Jones rapid rise to stardom has its inherent consequences, as it has for many sports figures. Jones' resurgence is the true test of a champion and how he'll react. Hopefully, the "real" Jon Jones has got his act together. Respecting his legal matters, assuming their resolved financially and personally, we can simply measure Jones by his commitment to rescuing a legacy.
