Jon Jones: Steroids Didn’t Make Me, I Earned Every Inch Of My Success
Once the undisputed UFC light-heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has suffered more than one fall from grace. In recent times especially, ‘Bones’ has faced plenty of adversity. Stripped of the belt for his part in the New Mexico hit-and-run last year, Jones’ future was uncertain, to say the least. Potentially facing jail time, ‘Bones’ was forced to confront his inner demons as the world watched keenly. Finally receiving community service and a fine, the charges against ‘Bones’ blew over. The prodigal son returned at UFC 197, but his comeback was short-lived.
Defeating Daniel Cormier‘s replacement, Ovince St-Preux, Jones claimed the interim title on April 23. Leading in to the unification bout at UFC 200, fans held their breath in to fight week, hoping Jon Jones could hold it together. Run ins with the police over some alleged drag racing antics proved to be a minor hiccup, then the unthinkable happened. Struck from the UFC 200 main event on just three days notice, ‘Bones’ became the latest in a long line of high-profile scalps claimed by USADA. The doping agency had found anti-estrogens in Jones’ system in a pre-fight screen. Here began the fallen champion’s latest struggle.
Tainted Supplements
During an emotional press conference in the middle of UFC 200 fight week, the troubled New Yorker claimed he was unaware of the banned substance he was flagged for. After months of waiting, Jones’ attorney finally confirmed this week that his client had indeed taken tainted supplements. The batch of workout products ‘Bones’ had referenced was tested by USADA and found to be contaminated. Similar to Yoel Romero, Jones is likely to receive a much shorter suspension. Should he get a six month retroactive suspension, Jones will be eligible to fight ASAP.
As well as trashing the division this past week, ‘Bones’ took to Twitter to clarify how he made it to the top. In response to criticisms over his failed drug test(s), the Greg Jackson product says steroids never made him, but rather hard work and dedication:
That's right light heavyweight division, this means I got in that ass fair and square. I heard your interviews.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
Steroids didn't give me the believe that I am the baddest fm on this planet
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
It didn't give me the heart to pull off victories in the last minutes of championship fights.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
Steroids will never give you a high IQ of the game. It won't increase your awareness or your timing.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
It didn't give me the idea to set my mind to a goal, to follow my dreams and bust my ass every day in the gym.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
I know that I've earned every inch of my success, every match ever won
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
Earning this high place in sports gives me the confidence and courage to know that I can do the same in my life
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
I know that I have something extremely powerful inside of me, I have the power to achieve anything I set my mind to.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
