UFC great Randy Couture has seen it all. He may no longer strap on the four-ounce gloves for anything more than training, but he’s seen just about everything imaginable when it comes to the sport of mixed martial arts.
So, when it comes to UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones‘ recent positive test for cocaine, Couture thinks the issue is worth taking a second look.
“Well it certainly raises some questions,” Couture told Submission Radio. “I’m very familiar with drug testing protocol, coming out of the Olympic wrestling that I was akin to, and you have and out of competition substance list, and the in competition substance list is considerably different. I see now that there was a second test done pre-competition that came up negative. That was in the newspaper today so I’m not sure how accurate that is, but it certainly raises a question. If that second test is true, then I think the commission was doing what they needed to do to make sure that going into that fight on fight night he was clean and didn’t put himself or Daniel Cormier in any danger. If that second test never happened, then it raises the question of what the athletic commission was thinking in allowing a guy that’s just failed a drug test to continue to compete, and no public statement was made about that failed test.”
Couture went on to say he understands the difference between in and out-of-competition testing. He also recognized the importance of making a distinction, for the fighters and the entire sport. That does mean, however, that Couture thinks there aren’t other issues at play with respect to Jones and his career.
“Regardless, cocaine is an illegal substance whether it’s performance enhancing or not. So it raises a whole bunch of other questions about Jon and obviously he’s volunteered to put himself in to rehab, which is good for him,” Couture went on to say. “I hope that goes well. It’s a shame that the reputation and the ability that he brings to the cage is a little bit tarnished now because of this, but it is what it is.
“He’s the one who has to look himself in the mirror and deal with that. It will be interesting to see what his fight night drug test comes back and if it comes back clean. If it doesn’t come back clean, then obviously the commission will have no choice but to peruse sanctions against him. Will they go easy on him because he’s subjected himself to rehab? That’s a question we’ll see I guess when the results come back.”
Listen to the full interview below.
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MEDIA STEW
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Daniel Straus talks about his most important Bellator fight.
Another great preview from this dynamic duo.
No UFC, but plenty of combat sports action recapped and analyzed by yours truly.
TWEETS
Whatever works, man.
Perfecting my Blue Steel working with @unibet here in Stockholm! http://t.co/FmNwg53w7U
— Bigslow (@LukeBarnatt) January 12, 2015
I don’t think it’s that serious, to be honest.
Everytime someone calls a grappling match a “fight” a baby bunny rabbit dies. Just don’t do it, guys.
— Colleen Schneider (@ColleenFights) January 12, 2015
Awwwwwwwww.
It’s the little things that matter. My daughter gave me this little present to keep me saf… http://t.co/0k0LzdeEFa pic.twitter.com/lrDL2x52ST
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) January 12, 2015
What’s worse: that or food poisoning?
Definitely not feeling this morning, oh how I love everything that comes with a stomach virus. #Misery
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) January 12, 2015
That’s one way to stay positive.
— U R I A H H A L L (@UriahHallMMA) January 11, 2015
People get weird in Wisconsin’s winters
For my 10,000th tweet I give you… An oldie but a goodie!!! pic.twitter.com/CWyIttr2iW
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) January 12, 2015
Nicely done.
Gave @ForrestGriffin $5K for winning our #FantasyFootball league. He donated it to @threesquareLV to feed hungry kids pic.twitter.com/m8vKiSDA84
— Dave Farra (@DaveFarra) January 12, 2015
That seems safe. And legal.
“@DStandridge92: @Cowboycerrone what do you set the cruise on in that thing?” About 95
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) January 12, 2015
I’m legitimately curious to see what he says.
Just signed the book deal!! Get ready folks, this will NOT be your typical MMA fighter biography!! pic.twitter.com/DtIcXGcBAa
— Chris Leben (@cripplerufc) January 12, 2015
Good to hear
Keep hearing people say Im hurt and my fight is cancelled… I dunno where that came from but Im healthy and… http://t.co/hexvHO56q1
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) January 12, 2015
Dana talks to the fans…without F bombs!
Dana on UFC going to NYC.
.@Sokol_Sheri @twitter Sooner than you think 😉
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
Dana on a new TUF coming.
.@LilMizzQueenB Yes I start filming next week
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
Dana on UFC returning to Calgary
.@flames_theman Yup I’m working on it
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
Dana on Ronda Rousey vs. Cyborg Justino
.@YvetteBrisco Working on it but I don’t think it will be a catchweight but anything is possible
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
Dana on Pacquiao vs. Mayweather
.@MikeyMcisaac I actually think it’s gonna happen
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
Dana on Ben Askren
@MushKha619 @Benaskren doesn’t want to fight here
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
Dana on CM Punk’s UFC debut
.@jameskidd44 @CMPunk Nobody yet. It probably will be 6 months before he’s ready
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
Dana on Brock Lesnar
.@Parkersafc His contract is up in March I think and then we will see
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
Dana on a potential Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo bout
.@Ciaranmck79 If he wins it will be at Croke Park or Vegas
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
Dana on Rory MacDonald getting promised title shots taken away
.@parmarcorp @rory_macdonald He didn’t get shafted he’s fighting @HectorLombard and do you really not want to see Lawler vs Hendricks again?
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 12, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
– Uriah Hall vs. Ron Stallings, UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Siver
– Henry Cejudo vs. Chris Cariaso, UFC 185
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Graham Douglas who argues 2015 will be another rough year for the UFC:
More retirement of brand name fighters. We’re going to see some big names retire. It’s a big deal because those big names, although might now be contending for titles, are interesting to watch. There will be fewer of those guys on cards.
Bellator will eat away at the UFC roster and potential signings. If you don’t believe that Bellator is going to disrupt the UFC flow, then you are sadly mistaken. With weaker UFC cards overall, that leaves an opening for Bellator to stack cards with great fights. Bellator can condense their product to be higher grade than ever before. They aren’t featuring the top level UFC talent, but expect a few surprises from them. If Bjorn can get Rampage, I’m sure there are other UFC fighters who are not loyal and would be willing to rejoin Coker. I be there will be co-promotions also with Bellator.