UFC: Chael Sonnen says Jon Jones is a scumbag – and he should ‘just go with it’

Chael Sonnen knows a thing or two about playing the heel role in MMA – his nickname is “The Bad Guy” after all.

Former UFC light heavyweight and middleweight contender Sonnen (30-17-1) had some advice for former rival Jon Jones, after the 205lbs champion’s recent arrest for drink-driving and negligent firearm use – the latest incident in a stellar career tainted by bad behaviour outside the Octagon.

“The mask is off. The world’s known he’s a scumbag for a while,” Sonnen, now an ESPN analyst, told Submission Radio. “But now that he’s finally in touch with just what a dirty guy he is, and now he’s putting out interviews, he’s steering into it.

“Look, from a likeability and civility standpoint, OK, go ahead and question Jon Jones’ character. I’m speaking about from a marketing and promotional standpoint. He’s doing everything right.”

Jones and Sonnen were rival coaches on season 17 of The Ultimate Fighter, leading to a first-round TKO victory for “Bones” at UFC 159 in April 2013.