Jon Jones’ Manager Defends UFC Fighter In Facebook Post After News Of Failed Drug Test

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones has been severely criticized by fans and members of the MMA world alike following revelations that he failed a drug test prior to his championship victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 last month in Anaheim, California.

Jon Jones Failed Drug Test News

Dana White, UFC’s president, announced the news on Tuesday. White also denied a TMZ report claiming the UFC has stripped Jones, 30, of his title after his July 29 win. Jones defeated Cormier via third-round knockout. The UFC revealed Jones’ failed a drug test stemmed from an in-competition sample that was collected at his weigh-in on July 28, the day before the fight.

On Wednesday afternoon, Jones’ manager Malki Kawa defended the fighter in an angry Facebook post in which he blasted critics for spreading lies.

“The amount of hate that everyone has towards jon jones with out any due process is beyond me. The messages I keep getting saying to “drop him” or “don’t take up for him” goes to show me how low this society is,” Kawa wrote.

“I stand with bones!

For anyone to think I would “drop” him like Him and I aren’t brothers is stupid.

I know how hard he worked to get back to where he’s at. This is definitely heartbreaking. He def didn’t cheat or use steroids. But I’m with him more now than the night he won the belt…. being there for the good times is what everybody would do. But who’s really there when times get bad?

I hope that you people pick your friends, wives/husbands and close confidants based on real stuff. Not who can celebrate when you’re on top. I’m not sure why this is happening to him again, or how even, but We’ll get to the bottom of it.

To those of you that truly support my brother and I, thank you! To those of you who say “drop him” you’re not doing me any favors by saying that. You’re not my friend nor my family. So a big “fuck you” to you and your “support.””

According to TMZ, Jones tested positive for the anabolic steroid Turninabol. White did not comment on the nature of the banned substance for which the fighter tested positive.

“I always know what to say. I don’t know what to say about this one,” a disappointed White told reporters Tuesday, calling the news “unbelievable.”

“These things never come at a good time. They’re always bad, especially with somebody like Jon Jones. In my opinion, he’s the best to ever do it. That makes it even more unfortunate.”

Cormier released his own statement about the news of Jones’ failed test.

“It’s hard to find words to describe how I’m feeling right now,” Cormier’s statement read. “I’m disappointed to hear the news. It’s very emotional. We, as athletes, are entitled to due process, and I will refrain from saying much more until I know exactly what happened.

“In my mind, on July 29, I competed, and I lost. I thought Jon Jones was the better man that day. I don’t know what to think anymore. I can’t believe we are going through all of this again. We will see what happens next.”

Jones blasted Cormier prior to their bout on July 28 for depicting him as a steroid user, although he also admitted he regretted taking performance-enhancing drugs.

“Daniel is trying to paint me as a steroid user. That’s his biggest ammo,” Jones told ESPN before the fight. “He can’t say anything about my actual talent or skills.

“Out of all the things I’ve done bad, the thing I despise most [is PED use]. … Steroids is something I’ve never done. And I don’t want people chalking up a misunderstanding or a tainted supplement to me being a steroid user. It’s one of the most insulting things you can do to a guy who’s accomplished the things I’ve accomplished.”

Jones has been provisionally suspended by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and faces a possible four-year ban for his failed test, which comes 11 months after he was punished for an estrogen blocker ahead of a matchup against Cormier at UFC 200. Jones was stripped of his title following that instance. The UFC also stripped him of his title in 2015 after he was arrested on hit-and-run charges.

Under the UFC’s anti-doping program, multiple offenders face can see their suspensions doubled in length.

“If he ends up getting two or three [years], it might be the end of his career,” White said Tuesday. “How old is Jon now? 30? And he’d be 33, 34 trying to make a comeback again? You look at what could have been and what he could’ve done — it’s sad.”

Jones maintains the right to request that his “B” sample be tested to confirm the failed test. He also holds due process rights, which include the right to appeal his failed test to the California State Athletic Commission.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 03:  Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones waits in a timeout as he defends his title against Daniel Cormier during the UFC 182 event  at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 3, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones retained his title by unanimous decision.  (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)