Jon Jones failed drug test rumours swamps internet thanks to fake ESPN account
The last thing the MMA community needs right now is for Jon Jones to test positive for banned substances and have his return date pushed back. Internet rumors that Jon Jones had failed a drug test and received a suspension startled mixed martial arts fans.
Jones' most recent fight was a victorious light heavyweight title defense against Dominick Reyes, which raised his career record to 26-1 with one no contest. "Bones" is determined to make a comeback this year, with Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes as the frontrunners to welcome Jones into the heavyweight division.
The false rumors started on a page on Twitter with a profile picture that looks like the official logo of ESPN MMA. The page wrote:
"BREAKING NEWS - Jon Jones has received a 15-month retroactive suspension from USADA. He is free to resume his career on March 3rd, 2024. Per @arielhelwani."
BREAKING NEWS - Jon Jones has received a 15-month retroactive suspension from USADA. He is free to resume his career on March 3rd, 2024. Per @arielhelwani https://t.co/4UnoQh0hpo
Jones has failed multiple drug tests in the past, making the post seem even more convincing. However, upon closer inspection, one can see that the Twitter account that posted the news is a self-proclaimed "parody" account aimed at posting entertaining content. Some fans were quick to realize this after the initial scare.
@espnmmaa @arielhelwani Almost got me 😂
Jon Jones was arrested on March 26, 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, just weeks after his last fight against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Jones failed a field sobriety test and pled guilty to the charges on March 31, 2022, after accepting a plea agreement. He was sentenced to four days of house arrest, one year of probation, at least 90 days of outpatient therapy, and 48 hours of community service.
Place your bets for the upcoming UFC Fight Night main card and earn $$$.
Jon Jones plans to "get comfortable with the worst-case scenario" in a potential clash against Francis Ngannou
Following his first title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270, UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou underwent surgery on a lingering knee injury that he wanted to sort out as his management addressed his contract disputes with the UFC.
'The Predator' has stated on multiple occasions in the past that a fight against Jon Jones intrigues him due to the impact a victory over the two-time light heavyweight champion will have on the Cameroonian's legacy. His coach Erick Nicksick hinted on Twitter at a possible return in early 2023.
Y’all busy March 4th?? 😬
#justwondering
Speaking about how he would approach a potential clash with Ngannou on Steve-O's Wild Ride! podcast, Jones stated:
"It's very simple. Get comfortable with the worst-case scenario. Worst-case scenario is he knocks you the f**k out. He possibly fractures a bone in your face. You get really comfortable with that idea and then it becomes easy."
Catch Jones' comments below: