Jon Jones is an exceptional fighter, but he is not a brilliant mind when it comes to public relations.
With his hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission quickly approaching and a key meeting with USADA just a few days away, Jones made the not-especially-wise decision to go on a lengthy Twitter rant regarding his failed drug test in July. Here are some of the highlights:
Steroids didn't give me the believe that I am the baddest fm on this planet
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
It didn't give me the heart to pull off victories in the last minutes of championship fights.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
I know that I've earned every inch of my success, every match ever won
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2016
In fairness to Jones, he is completely correct. In the same way a chemically aided bodybuilder can't simply walk up to home plate and hit a home run off Clayton Kershaw, a fighter on steroids won't have the savvy or technique to outwork an Olympic wrestler in the clinch. Many, many fighters have failed drug tests with nothing resembling Jones' technical proficiency, swagger or indomitable spirit.
Still, Jones is in the middle of a social media meltdown at the worst possible time.
Last week, Jones went on a lengthy rant (warning, NSFW language) aimed at fellow UFC light heavyweights Daniel Cormier and Anthony Johnson, calling them out for recent interviews where they dismissed him as "irrelevant." That was followed shortly thereafter by Jones allegedly firing back (warning, NSFW language) at a fan who joked about his 2015 drug test which was flagged for cocaine metabolites.
With Jones set to appear before the historically kooky NSAC as soon as next month for failing a pre-fight drug test ahead of UFC 200, however, this is the time when he should be on his best behavior.
The commission has proven itself to be capable of both ridiculously over the top and indefensibly light punishments over the last two years, highlighted by its banning Nick Diaz for five years and functionally giving Vitor Belfort no punishment for his abuse of TRT. Given Jones' history of bad behavior, it wouldn't be shocking to see the proverbial book thrown at him, and this latest Twitter rant only increases the chances of that.
On top of that, the deadline for Jones' settlement with USADA is next Monday. While it doesn't have the NSAC's bad reputation, it has proven itself more than willing to hand out potentially career-ending punishments for infractions as small as using the wrong skin cream.
Fans of the former light heavyweight champion ought to keep their fingers crossed that he can navigate this latest controversy safely. There are some important meetings coming up that could decide his future.
