Nutrition coach: Jon Jones is focused and doing everything it takes to win back belt

Jon Jones has not fought in a long time due to suspensions and criminal proceedings. The former light heavyweight champion has been far from sedentary, however.

In fact, if a stream of shirtless workout photos and videos are any indication, "Bones" has been working harder than ever before to get and stay in shape, in between fights. Jones returns to the cage next month, as he tries to reclaim his title against rival Daniel Cormier.

To aid him in his path back to gold, Jones has hired the man behind the nutritional overhaul and physical transformations of the likes of Eddie "Truck" Gordon and Johny Hendricks-- Lou Giordano. Giordano told FOX Sports that Jones reached out to he and his team with a simple but important set of goals.

"It is pretty simple - Because Jon started doing lots of strength and conditioning training for the past eight or nine months, he's put on a lot of size," Giordano explained.

Jon Jones is working around the clock to get in tip-top shape for his return to UFC.

"As he got into training camp to fight, he wanted to maintain his strength, and stay hydrated while losing weight in a healthy way." 

Jones has a reputation for getting out of shape in between fights throughout his career. The man Giordano says he encountered, however, was already lean, motivated, and in a disciplined routine. 

"From the moment I met Jon in New Mexico, it was clear to me that he was willing to do whatever it took," Lou continued.

"We sat down and talked with and listened to one another. He asked lots of questions and wanted to learn to do things that he hasn't done in previous camps. He was focused on nutrition so that he could put himself in the best possible shape. 

"After we spoke, he asked, 'can we start tomorrow?' That let me realize that he was already taking this serious, is ready to go and wants to learn and prove new things to himself."

With Johny Hendricks, Giordano spent weeks at a time with the fighter and was with him all fight week, but did most of his coaching remotely. With Jones, Lou has relocated to New Mexico for the duration of the light heavyweight's camp and works in-person with him.

Giordano says the difference in approach has largely been simply to accommodate Jones' needs and around-the-clock training schedule. "It became obvious to me right away that Jon trains around the clock," he said.

"So, I came out just to make sure I could be with him 24/7 so that he can train as hard as possible without worrying about things. I'm able to help him with when he needs a break, needs his shakes, I'm there to monitor his water."

If Jones ever took shortcuts in the past with his approach to fighting, Giordano isn't seeing any remnant of that attitude, these days. "Every athlete cuts corners at some point in their careers," he revealed.

"Here are some facts about Jon, now - He's been working with a new strength coach for the last eight or nine months. He's got a world champion BJJ coach, he has me 10 weeks out before his fight. Everything he's doing screams dedication.

"He's crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i'. I have no doubt the king will return, strong, in April."