UFC fighters Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev have publicly traded barbs regarding the validity of Jones’s past win streak due to a failed drug test. The exchange began after Makhachev surpassed Jones’s record for consecutive wins in the octagon.
Islam Makhachev recently broke the record for most consecutive victories in the UFC with 17, achieved after defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. However, Jon Jones could have held the record at 20, dating back to December 2009, if not for a failed drug test following his July 2017 rematch win against Daniel Cormier at UFC 214. Makhachev claimed Jones’s streak is “invalid” because of his history with failed drug tests.
Jones responded to Makhachev’s comments, stating, “Let's start this week by dispeling rumors that have been spread by people chasing me: DC I kicked you in the head LOL keep telling yourself it was steroids.Whatever you need to tell yourselves to sleep better at night, go for it.Keep chasing, it's lonely at the top, Islam hopefully I'll see you up here one day.” He further defended himself by pointing out that USADA, the anti-doping agency, determined the substance found in his system was “not found to be PERFORMANCE ENHANCING or INTENTIONAL.” Jones emphasized his undefeated record in the octagon, stating, “Last I checked, my hand got raised every time I was in the octagon since any of you can remember.” He also referenced a comment from Makhachev’s coach, who previously called Jones “a gift from God.”
Makhachev responded to Jones by saying, “Jon, I’m not trying to diminish your achievements in any way. But your whole life seems to be tied to breaking the rules one way or another, and somehow, you’re never the one to be blamed.”
This exchange is notable considering Jones previously identified Makhachev as one of the greatest fighters alongside himself.
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