UFC lightweight Jared Gordon, a recovering drug addict, is using his near seven-year sobriety to offer support to those struggling with addiction. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the 35-year-old fighter shared his story and offered assistance to those in need as he says “Guys let me help you! I have tools and resources to get you the help you need if you’re suffering from the addiction. You can change your life no matter how far gone you think you are. Just a bit of commitment, hard work and faith in God is all you need, you can start now.”
In the video message, Jared Gordon stated, “I feel like I’m doing god’s work by being in service to people. It’s priceless and gives me lasting fulfillment.” He urged people to reach out, emphasizing that change is possible regardless of how dire the situation may seem.
Guys let me help you! I have tools and resources to get you the help you need if you’re suffering from the addiction. You can change your life no matter how far gone you think you are. Just a bit of commitment, hard work and faith in God is all you need, you can start now⚡️ pic.twitter.com/W4N2u89aFj
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) February 4, 2024
“I just put one foot in front of the other, had a little faith, and worked hard.” – Jared Gordon advocates for recovery from addiction
Jared Gordon, who battled prescription pain medication and heroin addiction, found himself homeless by the age of 23. After undergoing 10 stints in rehab, including one in 2015 where he was legally dead for over two minutes due to a third overdose, Gordon has emerged as an advocate for recovery.
Gordon credits his MMA career as a crucial element in his recovery journey. Having most recently competed at UFC 295, where he secured a first-round TKO victory over Mark Madsen, Gordon has used his platform to shed light on the intersection of sports and mental health.
“I used to be homeless and shoot heroin at Penn Station under this building, now I’m knocking guys out in it.”
What a win and turn around in life for Jared Gordon!👏🏼 @ufc #UFC295
pic.twitter.com/kRxfy99VVY— Ross Edmonds (@RosssEdmonds) November 12, 2023
Post his victory at UFC 295, he used the octagon interview to express his emotions over recovery as he said “Heroin, it’s very nostalgic for me. That sounds weird, but I can really remember and feel it. I walked by places where I used to shoot up. People ask how I went from this to that. I just put one foot in front of the other, had a little faith, and worked hard. It’s amazing what we can do when we are consistent and work hard.”
While Gordon currently has no scheduled fights for 2024, he is expected to make a return to the cage in the coming months. His story serves as inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of commitment, hard work, and faith in overcoming addiction, and he continues to extend his support to those facing similar struggles.
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