There may be a queue of people lining up to criticize Jon Jones following the UFC light heavyweight champion’s latest brush with the law, but you won’t find Michelle Waterson among them.
UFC strawweight contender Waterson has known Jones for years, with the pair both longstanding members of the Jackson-Winkeljohn team in Albuquerque, N.M. When asked about Jones’ recent issues that saw him arrested on DWI and firearms charges, Waterson offered words of support, rather than criticism.
“I love Jon and I wish the best for him and his family,” Waterson told MMA Junkie. “He’s done nothing but be really supportive of me, my career and my family, and the team.”
Jones was arrested in the early hours of March 26 in Albuquerque and charged with aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, possession of an open container, and no proof of insurance. He entered a guilty plea with prosecutors and avoided jail time after his legal team struck a deal.
Instead, he will receive 96 hours of community custody, one year of supervised probation, a minimum 90 days of outpatient therapy – which will be conducted via video conferencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic – and 48 hours of community service. He subsequently issued a statement admitting he has an “unhealthy relationship with alcohol.”
His latest issues have led to plenty of people both within the sport and on social media offering their takes on Jones, his situation and his behavior. But Waterson said she won’t be wading in with them. Instead, she said that she would always be on hand if her troubled teammate ever needed help.
“He is a great guy,” she said. “I don’t know what’s happening in his personal life and, honestly, it’s none of my business. He’s always been there for me, and I will always be here to support him in his life. There are deeper issues, and it is not anyone’s place to judge what is going on in his life.”