Jon Jones offers support to Dustin Poirier after arrest

Jon Jones sent a public message of support to Dustin Poirier following the retired lightweight's arrest at an airport earlier this week on suspicion of public intoxication.

Jones, whose own history includes multiple alcohol-related arrests and documented altercations, posted on X that Poirier should keep his head up. "Wanted to write and tell my n--a Justin Poirier to keep your head up," Jones wrote, according to MMA Mania. "Life happens. This too shall pass. Just keep yourself busy my man, it helps."

Jones draws parallels between retirement and military service

The UFC heavyweight champion went further, drawing a comparison between leaving the sport and transitioning out of military service. "I do respect the fact that he's being honest about his mental state," Jones added. "I swear in some weird way retiring from the UFC almost feels like retiring from the military or something. There's so many similarities."

Jones has wrestled with alcohol throughout his career, promising in 2021 after an arrest for allegedly battering his fiancée that he would quit drinking permanently. Multiple incidents followed, including a confrontation with anti-doping agents and a phone call in which he threatened a police officer. The former light heavyweight champion has spoken openly about using alcohol as a mental crutch before fights.

When asked about his own future in the sport, Jones hinted at a possible return. He is currently helping train Gable Steveson ahead of the Olympic wrestler's UFC debut and said he has been moving well in sparring sessions.

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• MMA Mania — Jon Jones reaches out to support Dustin Poirier after drunken arrest: ‘Keep your head up’