I like Luke, he writes some good stuff and his opinions are usually pretty good.
However he is one of these guys that puts MMA fighters on superhuman pedestals, makes them out to seem like they're impervious to fear and worry. Do I think Jones is "afraid" of Gus? No, but I think that drawing that conclusion from the series of events is somewhat reasonable.
I think Jones knows what a tough fight is was last time, he probably realises that it could be exactly the same this time. He might not want to put his body through that again, which is understandable. Difference is that Jones is the world champion, if you're not ready to defend that belt against any man that can weigh 205 at weigh ins, then give up the belt.