Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
UFC VP Jeff Novitzky reveals the number of drug tests Jon Jones went through in 2019.
There is always a lot of buzz surrounding Jon Jones, both for the good and the bad. Not only is he widely considered as the greatest in many circles, he is also a hot topic when it comes to banned substances in MMA.
“Bones” drew attention over the last few years for his two failed drug tests in 2016 and 2017. One resulted in a fight cancellation, while the other nullified his win and stripped him of the 205-pound title.
Turinabol picograms aside, Jones has so far shown that he could separate himself from his PED-related controversies. UFC Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance Jeff Novitzky also backed this up by revealing the number of times the current light heavyweight champion was tested in 2019 alone.
In 2019, @JonnyBones was subject to 42 no-notice drug tests by 3 separate entities (USADA, CSAC and NSAC). In my 20 years experience in the anti-doping world, this is the highest volume of yearly tests that I have ever seen on one athlete, in any sport.
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) February 3, 2020
Jones will once again be under scrutiny by USADA and the state athletic commission for UFC 247, where he puts his title on the line against undefeated contender Dominick Reyes. The card takes place this Saturday in Houston, Texas.