Khabib Nurmagomedov Rips USADA In the Wake of Jon Jones Receiving 15-Month Suspension
Khabib Nurmagomedov isn’t happy with the decision to hand Jon Jones a 15-month suspension following a second infraction of the UFC’s anti-doping policy.
The news was announced on Wednesday that an independent arbitrator decided to give Jones a reduced sentence after he tested positive for an anabolic steroid following a knockout win over Daniel Cormier last July.
Several factors went into the decision including Jones getting a whopping 30 months lopped off his potential punishment for providing information that could lead to the arrest or punishment for other doping offenders. The independent arbitrator also stated that they didn’t believe Jones intentionally cheated following his testimony and the results of his drug testing before and after the incident.
While USADA was seeking an 18-month suspension, the arbitrator ultimately ruled that Jones should only sit out for 15 months, which means he’ll be eligible to return after Oct. 28.
“USADA gives my friends two years for first time problem with USADA. They give us two years, my friends. What about Jon Jones? He have second time problem and they give him one and a half years?” Nurmagomedov told TMZ after arriving in New York for the UFC 229 pre-fight press conference.
“I think it’s very bad. It’s very bad. They have to give him a little bit more but now I understand — USADA is No. 1 bulls–t.”
Nurmagomedov is a teammate of current UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, who has a long history with Jones including the fight where he suffered a knockout that was later overturned to a no contest due to the positive drug test.
Obviously, Nurmagomedov holds Cormier in very high regard but also compliments Jones for his skills inside the Octagon.
That said, the reigning UFC lightweight champion believes the rules set forth by the UFC and USADA should be the same for everybody.
“They test DC the last 15 or 20 years, they tested DC 70 times,” Nurmagomedov said about Cormier. “He’s the greatest champion inside the cage and outside of the cage. Now they give to Jon Jones one and a half years? I think it’s a very bad decision for MMA. A lot of people are upset about this.
“Jon Jones is a great fighter, he’s a very good fighter but if you talk about rules, everybody have to follow rules.”
