Pic: Jon Jones startling before-and-after photo, teases April 23 return

Jon Jones used to spend his off-season tweeting photos of his "skinny-fat" physique.

Like this one.

Then he nearly coughed up his 205-pound strap to Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 and probably realized it was time to take things seriously. While personal problems outside the cage gave him pause (and took away his championship title), "Bones" is back and looking better than ever.

From his Instagram account (via MMA Junkie):

Off season 2013 vs. off season 2015. Five more months to prepare for this win. I'll be sure to be at my best April 23rd. #NewLevels

Be afraid.

During his absence, Daniel Cormier scooped up the light heavyweight title by submitting Anthony Johnson, then successfully defended it against the aforementioned "Mauler." Jones teased a return date of April 2016, but that will likely depend on this.

Otherwise, I would expect champion and champion challenger to meet again at UFC 200 next July.