A BJJ black belt under Carlson Gracie , Paulo Filho was once considered the world’s number one fighter at middle weight after reaching the final of the Pride Grand Prix and winning the belt of the defunct WEC. But personal problems, such as the death of his father, and addiction to prescription drugs had started to affect her career, which culminated in his resignation from the WEC and lackluster performances in Brazilian events.
Filho told Tatame about his use of cocaine from his time in WEC:
“My biggest issue was depression, awakened early by the use of cocaine,” . “I had just beaten Chael Sonnen, I was in San Diego, and went to Mexico to celebrate. I was too drunk and started to feel bad. A Mexican brought me the drug, and I used it and became ‘new’ again. The drug brings up back up, you feel great. But when it’s over, you get deeply depressed.”
According to the former to Filho, Jon Jones also has depression issues and he believes that the former UFC light heavyweight will sooner or later use cocaine again:
“Jon Jones has the same disease that I do,” Filho said. “We have a genetic weakness to ingest any substance. You use once and can’t live without. Sooner or later he will use it again.”
As of last week, Jones is back in the gym and training. Filho is recovering from a gunshot wound to the leg which broke his femur.
