Jon Jones has always been vocal about his lack of respect for all steroid users, but revealed earlier this week that he now considered Chael Sonnen the "exception" to this rule.
The UFC Light Heavyweight champion explained that it was Sonnen's honesty and vulnerability when explaining his reasons for being on the banned substances that shed a positive light on the former title challenger.
"I watched him on UFC Tonight," Jones said on Monday's edition of The MMA Hour. "I thought he handled it very responsibly. I really admired him being vulnerable and telling the world about the situation with his wife and things like that."
Jones, who defended his title against Sonnen at UFC 159 after coaching opposite him on The Ultimate Fighter 17, has had a turbulent history with his fellow American. Considering the dust has settled on much of their problems, Jones now considers Sonnen to be the "exception" to the fighters he disrespects for steroid use.
"I've been very vocal about not respecting steroid users and guys who cheat," Jones said. "But Chael almost gained an exception with the way he handled it and the way he was so honest and upfront with the fans and all the fighters about the whole situation.
"It was never good for the sport to see something like this," Jones continued. "But in a way, it was a win for Chael because he got some things off his chest and just be real about everybody."
Transcription taken from MMAFighting.com