Jon Jones: 'I'm Not A Bad Guy' ... 'I've Done Some Bad Things'

Jon Jones admits he's done some "bad things" -- but doesn't consider himself a bad person -- and tells TMZ Sports he's definitely learned from his mistakes.

Jon's issues are no secret ... he's been arrested several times, struggled with drugs and alcohol and recently cussed out a police officer during a stop in New Mexico.

When we asked Dana White about Jon's situation, he told us ... "Jon tried so hard to play the good guy for so long it drove him crazy ... and Jon is just gonna be Jon now."

So, when we saw Jon this week ... we asked if that meant he was embracing his role as a bad guy -- and JJ told us ... he's NOT a bad guy.

"I don't consider myself to be a bad guy," Jon said ... "I've done some bad things but I strive to be a good person."