Jon Jones lets out an excited roar and his eyes widen with joy when he sees the custom-made shorts he’ll be wearing on Saturday.

The red and black shorts feature two snarling lion heads, but it’s the Bible verse in gold lettering that catches Jones’ attention.

The verse, titled Philippians 4:13, is the same verse that was tattooed on Jones’ chest for most of his extraordinary UFC career.

Jones, 37, is a remarkable athlete, widely considered one of, if not the best in UFC history.

But he is just as controversial, with a series of arrests and charges over incidents in his personal life, coupled with two doping bans with the UFC, calling his legacy into question.

The Bible verse has helped Jones reach glorious highs and bounce back from soul-crushing lows, and it will inspire him again when he defends his heavyweight title against fellow American Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

“My late mother used to recite (Philippians 4:13) to me all the time: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’” Jones said., external

“This is my superpower, my relationship, faith. God has helped me through so many personal battles, not only in the octagon but in life. He has supported me and given me strength in very difficult times.”