Sonnen On Jon Jones’ Failed Tests – ‘Doesn’t Disqualify Him From Being The GOAT

Chael Sonnen argues that Jon Jones’ history of failed drug tests should not exclude him from the GOAT conversation. 

The discussion was sparked after Javier Mendez, head coach at American Kickboxing Academy, compared Jones to Lance Armstrong, suggesting that multiple doping violations permanently tarnished his legacy.

• Jones tested positive for estrogen blockers (Clomiphene and Letrozole) before his UFC 200 fight with Daniel Cormier, which he attributed to tainted sexual enhancement pills.
• Jones’ UFC 214 knockout win over Daniel Cormier was overturned to a “No Contest” after he tested positive for the steroid Turinabol.

Sonnen argued Jones likely wasn’t doing anything his peers weren’t also doing—he simply happened to get caught. Chael believes that while the failures prove Jones wasn’t the cleanest, they don’t necessarily negate the skill and dominance he displayed inside the Octagon. Sonnen made a clear distinction between being a “clean” athlete and being the “greatest” fighter.

Sonnen Reacts

“I think if you’re having the conversation of greatest of all time to exclude Jon Jones – I don’t know that Jon ever took anything that the rest of them didn’t take, but he got caught for it. I’m going to have to go with no. My final analysis is no. Jon Jones failing a PED test makes him not the cleanest fighter of all time. It does not disqualify him from being the greatest fighter of all time,” Sonnen said

Elsewhere, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has reacted to the “leak” of Jon Jones’ health struggles, suggesting Bones is managing his public image. Jones was caught on a covertly recorded video revealing to fellow fighter Joaquin Buckley that he suffers from severe hip arthritis. 

Jones claimed the condition is so advanced that he already qualifies for a hip replacement, a revelation he used to shut down rumors of a wrestling match against Cormier in the RAF (Real American Freestyle) league.

Cormier On Jones’ Health

The revelation has also cast doubt over an appearance on the UFC White House card on June 14. Jones stated he wants to preserve what’s left of his hips to play with his three-year-old son, although he left the door open for a White House fight if the terms are right. Cormier remains unconvinced of the timing, believing the leak was a calculated move.

“Here’s where I have a little bit of an issue with [Jon’s comments]. It’s very easy to tell if you’re being recorded with the Meta glasses. Hard to hide that you’re being recorded with Meta glasses, if you’re in close proximity with the person…how could he have missed that? It’s hard to not be aware in those situations, when you’ve lived a lifetime in the public eye.

“When you’ve been in the public eye, you build this sixth sense as to when people are recording you. I think Jon Jones knew what he was doing, and that he wanted people to know he’s injured. And I believe he’s hurt – and that was the video that made me believe that Jon Jones doesn’t have anything left,” Cormier said