On Wednesday, a significant shift occurred in the realm of UFC drug testing as USADA no longer oversees the process for UFC athletes.
The decision marks a culmination of a growing dispute between USADA and the UFC, primarily centered around the re-entry of Conor McGregor into the USADA testing pool and the associated timeline for his return to competition. The UFC aimed to navigate around USADA's established rules and regulations, while USADA remained resolute in its stance. As of now, there is no third-party drug testing involved in MMA's premier promotion, beyond what athletic commissions require.
One individual who appears to welcome this change is UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who took to social media to express his delight at the dissolution of the UFC-USADA partnership. In a tweet, Jones exclaimed, "Man, I survived USADA. First, they said I was guilty of having picograms, then they considered me innocent, and next, picograms became legal. Guess what? I'm still here, still unbeaten. That BS no contest over DC needs to be taken off my record. I've never cheated this sport, and I will stand by that until the day I die." Jones concluded his tweet with a GOAT emoji, signifying his self-proclaimed status as the Greatest of All Time.
Man I survived USADA. First they said I was guilty of having picograms, then they considered me innocent, next picograms became legal. Guess what I’m still here, still unbeaten. That BS no contest over DC needs to be taken off my record. I’ve never cheated this sport and I will…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 12, 2023
Jones' storied career has been marred by numerous controversies, overshadowing his remarkable achievements in the fighting arena. In addition to his legal troubles, including an arrest for a hit and run, multiple driving offenses, and a domestic violence accusation, Jones has faced repeated issues with drug tests:
2015: Jones tested positive for a cocaine metabolite before UFC 182, but it was not a banned substance, allowing him to compete.
2016: He tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole, banned substances, leading to his removal from UFC 200.
2017: Jones tested positive for the anabolic steroid Turinabol, resulting in his victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 being declared a no contest and the loss of his UFC light heavyweight title.
2018: Inconsistencies in a drug test led to a change in venue for his fight, but no disciplinary actions were taken.
Despite his history of controversies, Jones is scheduled to defend his UFC heavyweight title at UFC 295, facing former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. This fight, according to Jones, is expected to be his last.
UFC 295, set for November 11 at Madison Square Garden, also features Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title and a matchup between Mackenzie Dern and Jessica Andrade.