Video: Watch Documentary Footage of 22-Year-Old Jon Jones Before He Was UFC Champ

It seems hard to believe, but Jon Jones, once the youngest light heavyweight champion in UFC history, turns 30 years old today.

A lot has happened since Jones defeated Mauricio Rua to capture 205-pound gold at UFC 128 on March 19, 2011, but it can be interesting to take a look back at the polarizing superstar before he reached unprecedented heights. The 2013 documentary “The Proving Grounds,” directed by The Mash-Up King and available on iTunes, captured Jones’ rising star as an up-and-coming athlete.

In a clip released in honor of Jones’ 30th birthday, watch as Jones’ father, Arthur, and his late mother, Camille, share stories about their son and coaches and teammates discuss “Bones’” considerable talents. Jones himself even weighs in on the trappings of superstardom, and his words carry even more weight today.

“Being a rising athlete in the sport of mixed martial arts can definitely be hectic. It can be a lot to handle,” he said. “There’s a lot of pressure having so many options at a young age…”

Jones will return to the cage in an attempt to reclaim the light heavyweight title against rival Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 on July 29. Meanwhile, The Mash-Up King will be releasing his next documentary on UFC featherweight star Yair Rodriguez entitled “El Pantera,” later this year.