Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans and Jon Jones have had quite the tumultuous relationship.

The pair began as teammates at Jackson's MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico but later became bitter rivals. As Jones rose to join the elite, Evans saw the writing on the wall and decided the town wasn't big enough for both of them.

As Evans founded and built the Blackzilians in Boca Raton, Florida, Jones realized his potential when he stole away the world title from Maurício Rua in brutal fashion at UFC 128 in 2011.

Evans went on to challenge his former protege at UFC 145 in 2012, becoming the first man to survive 25 minutes with the champ.

Jones went on to successfully defend his title five more times over the next three years before his life began to unravel.

Prior to his January bout with Daniel Cormier at UFC 182, Jones tested positive for cocaine metabolites but was still allowed to compete under the guidelines of the Nevada Athletic Commission. He was fined $25,000 for violating the UFC's code of conduct policy and spent just a single night in a treatment facility.

In April, Jones was stripped of his title for his involvement in a hit-and-run auto accident that left one pregnant woman injured. The misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of the crime was elevated to a felony due to the woman's injury, a broken arm.

Putting his past issues with Jones aside, Evans can't help but feel heartbroken for his former teammate.

"It's kind of a sad situation for me honestly," Evans told FOX Sports. "My heart really goes out to Jon because despite us having our beefs and everything, I care about Jon as a person. I think when this journey's over and said and done, I hope we can all grow as people and look back and say we had crazy years training together and fighting together.

"I don't wish the hardships that he's going through on anybody. To have a drug problem like he had or be in a situation like he is in right now because it's a serious thing because it tears down so many people around you that care about you. The hardest thing in the world is to watch someone you love really not be able to get themselves together and really struggle on a level so bad when it seems and it appears that they have it all."

Jones is due back in court Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM where he will have a hearing in Albuquerque's Second Judicial District Court. Documents obtained by MMA Fighting last week indicated that Jones' legal team is positioning him for a plea deal.

"My heart goes out to him and I hope he's able to make a recovery and come back and compete in the UFC again," Evans said. "He's one of the greatest fighters the UFC has ever had. For him to go out in a less than admirable way is not something that I would like to see for him. I've got so much respect for him as a competitor."

Evans faces fellow contender Ryan Bader Oct. 3 at UFC 192 in Houston, Texas.

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Thanks, Ace. Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin officially retires.

Watch The MMA Hour with Rafael dos Anjos, Rich Franklin, Scott Coker, Aljamain Sterling, Dan Hardy, Javier Mendez, Andy Main and Dave Meltzer.

MEDIA STEW

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(via Bloody Elbow)

Long watches.

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TWEETS

Ace.

It's official!!! Today is the day. I'm retired. http://t.co/hc6sx2m7WN — Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) September 28, 2015

Congrats to a great career and a great champion. It was an honor to stand across the cage from you. Much love. https://t.co/YTi2N0R3IM — Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) September 28, 2015

@NateRockQuarry Nate, I'll never forget the words you said to me the night I lost my title. You're a champion in my book! — Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) September 28, 2015

@mark_munoz Mark, thanks for taking the time to reach out to me. I've always admired you as a professional. God Bless brother! — Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) September 28, 2015

@RichFranklin good stuff Rich! Congrats — Mike Ciesnolevicz (@MikeCies) September 28, 2015

@RichFranklin thanks man for all the great fights you gave us. As a fighter, you have set a standard to follow. Thank you — Efrain Escudero (@effyescudero) September 28, 2015

U are the man rich! Thank u for being a tremendous fighter and champion. DC https://t.co/gBG0h3ARE6 — Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 28, 2015

@DavidLoiseau You are a true warrior, and even though you permanently scarred me, it has been an honor. :) — Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) September 28, 2015

I just saw @RichFranklin just announced retirement. It's been a pleasure being in this sport with you my friend. All the best to you! — Matt Hughes (@matthughes9x) September 29, 2015

Rich Franklin officially retired today. Thank u for all the great fights & representing the sport with class. #DWCOTD pic.twitter.com/JayfIX9BXI — Dana White (@danawhite) September 28, 2015

Beef.

@AlexTheMauler I'm gonna make you tap faster than someone mashing buttons while playing #Halo5 #UFC192 — Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 28, 2015

Fiiiiiight weeeek!!! Cormier vs Gustafsson this Saturday on PPV! Gustafsson has a slight height and reach advantage pic.twitter.com/DN5Cl4b3Js — Dana White (@danawhite) September 28, 2015

Neither one of those things will matter. #downgoesgus https://t.co/UrlRkBmv5r — Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 28, 2015

@AlexTheMauler you're gonna lose so badly that you'll wish Spartan Locke would put you out of your misery #UFC192 #Halo5 — Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 28, 2015

@dc_mma Cortana's hologram would be more of a challenge than you #UFC192 #Halo5 — Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) September 28, 2015

Joe Lauzon is eating pizza for charity.

Aiming to eat six 10" pizzas Friday at @BakingSteel. They're donating money to @TheJimmyFund for every slice we eat. http://t.co/kgNNg5Gcup — Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) September 28, 2015

Champs.

Pleasure to meet this legend at Kings MMA Thanks for the words you are a big inspiration @bjpenn Um prazer encontrar com... Posted by Rafael Dos Anjos on Monday, September 28, 2015

On the move.

Quit my job packed my stuff heading to Montreal. You only have one chance we only have one chance... https://t.co/fO0VEKXRDj — Randa Markos (@randamma) September 28, 2015

.@randamma the newest member of team @tristargym! Congratulations on your move to Montreal! pic.twitter.com/FXJL62nd4u — UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) September 28, 2015

Congrats.

Feels like a lot of weight was lifted off my shoulders w/this new fight lined up. The hard part will be deciding how I'd like to finish him! — Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) September 29, 2015

Drop you? Drop them.

Update.

So my celly is looking for a pen pal single ladies. Please write him if your interested. http://t.co/UxI7d37LdH — Chris Leben (@cripplerufc) September 29, 2015

Funny.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Sept. 28 2015)

Johnny Eduardo vs. Aljamain Sterling at UFC Fight Night: VanZant vs. Calderwood

Isao Kobayashi vs. Goiti Yamauchi at Bellator 144

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