Rony Jason on failed drug test: 'I'm already putting my lawyers on the job'

Rony Jason

Rony Jason’s failed UFC Fight Night 67 drug test cost him a win and $50,000 in bonus money from the UFC and the featherweight winner of the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” doesn’t plan to take it lying down.

Jason (14-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) failed his test for hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic, following his “Performance of the Night” winning submission of Damon Jackson (9-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC). The victory was overturned and it was announced that the UFC had rescinded his bonus and would not pass it along to another fighter from the vent.

The fighter spoke to MMAjunkie and made it lear that he feels he did nothing wrong and already has his legal team on the case.

“It was a surprise,” Jason told MMAjunkie. “I never in my life thought something like this could happen. I’ve fought for the UFC 10 times: three times in TUF, and seven more fights after that. I’ve never used inappropriate methods to make weight. I always make weight. Making weight is one of my biggest concerns. I know it’s a great responsibility we have, and the UFC has high expectations in that regard. I worry more about my weight than the actual fight. I train and get ready far in advance. I’m talking to my doctors to see if there’s a possibility this was caused by the medication I was taking for my ankle. I was feeling a lot of pain before the fight.

“I’ve felt slighted by the athletic commission (CABMMA) before, from my fight against Robbie Peralta. This is the second time. This is a big headache. I’ll appeal without a doubt. I’m already putting my lawyers on the job, so we can appeal this. People who know me, know that I don’t use anything. I’m not addicted to anything; I don’t smoke marijuana or use steroids. I’m appealing. My understanding is that my failed test showed a masking agent, so I’m undergoing blood testing to show that I use nothing. I’m very honest in everything, especially in regards to my work.”

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 67, check out the UFC Events section of the site.