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At UFC 232, Jon Jones made his return to MMA after a 15-month suspension for failing a drug test. He reclaimed the light heavyweight title with a win over Alexander Gustafsson and later, celebrated when his drug tests came back clean. Well, his USADA ones, at least.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Jones’ VADA tests - that he signed up to take so he could be licensed to fight in California - revealed trace amounts of the same steroid metabolite Jones’ failed for last year. The turinabol metabolite was the one that caused so many problems ahead of UFC 232 as it showed up in multiple tests beforehand and caused Nevada to refuse to license him, forcing the entire show to move to California on a week’s notice, who did license Jones with the understanding that it is unclear if the metabolite will ever leave Jones’ system and that he should be licensed to compete again. That means this abnormal test, while unfortunate, was also not unexpected and which is fine by Jones’ next opponent, Anthony Smith, as yesterday ‘Lionheart’ responded to the news on Twitter.
If you’re hitting me up about this, don’t. I truly dont care. Picograms, no picograms, Olympic sized swimming pools, grains of salt ♂️... I couldn’t care any less. I signed on the line and did it knowing what I was signing up for and with no expectations. I’m good, y’all. ♂️ https://t.co/GnQQ6diow6
— Anthony Smith (@lionheartasmith) January 24, 2019
“If you’re hitting me up about this, don’t. I truly don’t care,” Smith said. “Picograms, no picograms, Olympic sized swimming pools, grains of salt ... I couldn’t care any less. I signed on the line and did it knowing what I was signing up for and with no expectations. I’m good, y’all. ”
Jones is set to defend his light heavyweight title against Smith at UFC 235 on March 2, assuming Jones can get licensed. UFC 235 is set to take place in Las Vegas, so despite the fact that this test was not unexpected, the NAC still has to clear him to compete and they have previously shown a reticence to do so with evidence of banned substances still in Jones system. Jones is scheduled to go before the commission in a hearing next Tuesday to get his license approved and we’ll have to see how that plays out. If the NAC still won’t license him though, the UFC can always more the card again. At least we know Anthony Smith won’t have a problem with it.
MUST-READ STORIES
Jones. Trace amount of same steroid metabolite found in Jon Jones’ UFC 232 VADA test results.
New era. UFC’s ESPN debut sets Fight Night viewership record.
Suspension. Walt Harris temporarily suspended by CSAC for positive UFC 232 drug test.
Last Emperor. Fedor Emelianenko admits ‘more and more I am thinking of retiring’.
170. Rory MacDonald vs. Jon Fitch title fight, Bellator grand prix first round slated for April.
VIDEO STEW
The A-Side Live Chat.
Conor’s history with the tabloids.
Kevin Hart taking an ice bath with Ronda Rousey and asking questions.
Wouldn’t doubt it for a second.
Cejudo going hard on this Nikki Bella angle.
Thrill and the Agony. One of the best things the UFC does.
LISTEN UP
Fights Gone By. Discussing the new UFC belt, Cejudo’s win, and Bellator.
Heavy Hands. Discussing the highlights from UFC’s debut on ESPN.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Fight.
See you riding. I tell you what im gonna come back up to 55 and give you a chance to see what’s fighting me is all about. Heard you running your mouth in the past, and you’re willing to fight anyone. now let’s see if you can put up. Charmin. pic.twitter.com/9yeeJcMtqK
— Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) January 23, 2019
It’s bout time somebody got some nuts. Name the time mike https://t.co/MZk746Wp01
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) January 23, 2019
Let’s get it done
— Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) January 23, 2019
Hero.
Bird ass pic.twitter.com/OVi2x6wjVq
— A1 Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) January 24, 2019
When they don’t like any of the 7 house you show just watch lee vs iaquinta 2 and a glass of coquito
— A1 Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) January 24, 2019
And call tony Ferguson’s a bird ass
— A1 Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) January 24, 2019
Philosopher king.
Imagine how different the world would be if Yamma did a 125lb tournament instead of heavyweight
— A1 Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) January 24, 2019
Kind of weird since the belts looks the same at a glance.
On Saturday night at #Bellator214 it’s winner takes all..
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) January 24, 2019
Bellator world heavyweight championship belt
Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix belt pic.twitter.com/wGg5sSZJOI
Desperately needed.
Henry you put me on some championship knowledge and I’ll put you on some game . We cant have you out here looking like a virgin https://t.co/WwlcjhTrhs
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 23, 2019
Shade.
The question is " will the worldwide stock of steroids be able to provide them both at the same time ? " https://t.co/xAqbzmMovH
— Olivier Aubin (@oliaubin) January 22, 2019
This thing feels like it has taken forever.
For everyone asking when will I fight again I am still suspended from UFC 229 I hope I will be in that cage soon appreciate all the support!
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) January 23, 2019
Derek Carr seems mad.
@ufc @danawhite hey how do I challenge a couple of these clowns on tv to a fight? I think we should start a business together. Where pro athletes can challenge some of these people to an octagon fight until they give us an answer.... You don’t know me... stop lying.
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) January 23, 2019
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Victoria Leonardo (3-1) vs. Jamie Milanowski (2-2); Invicta FC 34, Feb. 15.
Christina Ricker (1-1) vs. Caitlin Sammons (0-0); Invicta FC 34, Feb. 15.
Milana Dudieva (12-7) vs. Karina Rodriguez (6-3); Invicta FC 34, Feb. 15.
Paul Craig (10-3) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (6-0); UFC Philadelphia, March 30.
Sabina Mazo (6-0) vs. Maryna Moroz (8-3); UFC Philadelphia, March 30.
Rory MacDonald (20-5) vs. Jon Fitch (31-7-1); Bellator, April 27.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At this point, Jon has to have failed more tests than anyone else in UFC history, right? Just another reason he’s the GOAT.
Thanks for reading, and see y’all tomorrow.
EXIT POLL
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