Outside Source
During his time in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Brunson was able to develop a relationship with Jon Jones as “Bones” was just beginning to reach great heights in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. In a recent post on social media, Brunson recalls a conversation with Jones that may have foreshadowed some of the troubles that were to come for the two-division champion.
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“Jon Jones and I use to hang out just about every day when I was in town from 2011-2014,” Brunson wrote on X. “One night we went out and I said to him, ‘Bro, why are you doing all of this, let’s just hang out with the ladies and have fun. The extra stuff isn’t needed. They’re already here with us.’
“He looked at me and said ‘I don’t need a dad, I need a friend.’ This was the last time we hung out. I couldn’t sit back and watch. I have to be honest with my friends.”
Jon Jones and I use to hang out just about every day when I was in town from 2011-2014 . One night we went out and I said to him “bro why are you doing all of this , let’s just hang out with the ladies and have fun , the extra stuff isn’t needed , they’re already here with us”.…
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) June 25, 2025
Jones retired from MMA this past weekend, and his legacy as a fighter is strong enough that many observers consider him to be the best fighter in the sport’s history. However, his troubles outside the cage — along with a number of failed drug tests in the UFC — have sometimes overshadowed those achievements. Shortly after his retirement, it was revealed that Jones was facing misdemeanor charges for fleeing the scene of an accident in Albuquerque earlier this year. The drama surrounding that incident has dominated headlines the past week.
Brunson: Jon Jones Needs a Change of Scenery
Jones is a New York native who relocated to New Mexico for training ahead of his infamous disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in 2009. He eventually made Albuquerque his permanent residence. Brunson, for one, believes “Bones” could use a change of address.
“Jon Jones needs to get out of Albuquerque,” Brunson wrote. “I love Albuquerque. Everything there is too accessible to him. He needs a fresh start and a change of scenery ASAP!”
Jon Jones needs to get out of Albuquerque . I love Albuquerque . Everything there is too accessible to him . He needs a fresh start and a change of scenery asap !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) June 25, 2025
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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