Jon Jones has always been a fascinating figure. Despite being one of the best fighters ever, his career has been plagued with controversies and legal troubles. However, ahead of UFC 285 Jones feels exonerated of some of the charges against him.
Previously, we saw USADA, UFC’s drug testing partner, introduce some new rules. As per the new criteria, the threshold levels for certain drugs that result in a test being flagged, have been pushed to 100 picograms. Thus, many fighters, including Jones, believe that they would not have tested positive in the past under the same rules.
Speaking to the media ahead of UFC 285, Jones had his say. “USADA has changed some of the rules regarding picogram levels and what’s allowed, and I’ve come to find out that all my findings were under the new legal limit, meaning I would have been cleared from every test I’ve ever taken, and that means a lot to me.”
With the new rules in play, Jones hinted that the no-contest against Daniel Cormier would have been overturned into a KO/TKO victory instead. Similarly, Jones also feels he should also be cleared from all other instances where he tested positive. Even though the damage has already been done, Jones is happy that his innocence has finally been proven.
What are the fans saying about Jon Jones’ comments?
Despite Jones claiming that he is now ‘innocent’, according to the new rules, the fans still have contrasting opinions. Firstly, despite the level of picograms allowed in a test, it shows that the fighter may be still using steroids or PEDs to some level. Although some will argue that it does not give them any sizeable advantage, others will debate that it is still cheating.
As such, let’s take a look at some of the fan comments on the matter.
How? That would be saying like all the IV users before 2015 should be cheaters now according to this logic, because IV wasn't illegal before 2015, but now it is illegal.
— Timur (@tenismemis) March 2, 2023
Him and his brother got popped for the same exact steroid 3 weeks apart. Him by USADA and his brother by the ultra lenient NFL steroid testing. He will always be branded as a steroid cheat.
— SeeUsoonBoy (@SeeUSoonBoyy) March 2, 2023
Yeah…I doubt they change anything. Still broke the rules doesn’t matter if they changed
— king (@therallyking1) March 2, 2023
Only jealous, angry white guys will hold a few picograms against him. They do not forgive and they do not forget.
— Paralyzing Rook (@ParalyzingR) March 2, 2023
Ohhh so he was cranked out of his mind, jacked on gear, but it’s ok now.
— Joseph Robinette Dudenheihmer the 3rd (@Dudenheihmer) March 2, 2023
Is this your goat? A thug who needs drugs to win😭😂😂 "bAddEST MAn oN thE pLAnEt"
Cyril Gane🇫🇷 masterclass incoming!! pic.twitter.com/PEoJ2CWyRi— Truth (@Truthskep) March 2, 2023
For the most part, many are still on the fence about Jones being cleared completely. Seeing the number of substances and occasions, they feel that his positive tests are of repetitive nature and were rightfully punished.
Despite his positive test in 2017, Jones’ 4-year sentence was reduced to 15 months after arbitration. Jones was also popped in 2016, before UFC 200 where he tested positive for hydroxy-clomiphene and letrozole metabolite. As a result, he was suspended from the sport for one year.
Although his ‘win’ will likely not be reinstated, Jones is at peace with the fact that he is finally free of the allegations against him. As such, Jones has battled long and hard for this day and now he can finally say that he is innocent. Having ‘battled through hell’, Jones believes that other athletes will not have to go through a similar experience now.
With USADA’s new rules, do you believe that Jones is completely innocent? Should he still be seen as someone who tried to use unfair means or is he cleared of all charges? What did you make of his comments? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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