UFC: Jorge Masvidal Discusses Jon Jones’ Latest Run In With The Law

Jorge Masvidal has given his perspective on Jon Jones’ most recent run in with the law. The UFC light heavyweight champion was charged with a DWI in March. On searching his card, the police found a handgun and a half empty bottle of Recuerdo Mezcal (the tequila like liquor that was recently launched by ‘Gamebred’).

With MMA’s popularity growing as fast as it is, attracting fans from every walk of life and age demographic, the UFC’s athletes are in the public eye more than ever before. Speaking on The Dan Le Batard Show on ESPN, Masvidal said it’s up to the athletes to become good role models for their young fans.

“By no means can I ever judge anybody,” Masvidal said. “I’m nowhere near perfect, but I do believe that there should be consequences, mainly because we have so much power. I didn’t notice how many 11, 12, 13 year old fans we have who come running up to me saying, ‘Hey, can we get a picture?’ And I’m like, ‘Whoa, that’s nuts. This guy’s super young. How does he know so much about the sport?’”

Instead of being sent to jail, Masvidal believes that Jones should be given the opportunity to use his platform to give back to the community and help those that look up to him learn from his mistakes, so that they don’t make the same mistakes.

“I remember back when I was young and we could be very influenced,” he said. “I don’t want kids thinking that it’s cool for them to go out and drink and drive. You can hurt yourself very bad, but you could actually do something worse and take a whole family. You could do travesties if you’re drunk behind the wheel.

“So, in those regards, there should be things handed [down]. If you were caught drinking and driving, you’re gonna have to give type of service back to the community.

“There should be some type of community service back to the public for educational purposes. Let these young minds know that, ‘Hey, this is not cool. This was a mistake that I did, but under no circumstances should you do this and think you can get away with it.’”

During UFC 249 fight week, UFC president Dana White stated that Jones would not be punished by the promotion for his latest arrest. He was stripped of his title and suspended following a hit and run back in 2015, and some fans expect similar consequences following his DWI. Masvidal, on the other hand, sees serving the community a better option than suspension, as Jones provides for his family by fighting.

“It’s all we got, man,” he said. “Yeah, you got to be allowed to fight.”

Do you agree with Jorge Masvidal’s take? If it was up to you, how should Jon Jones be punished?


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