Former champion chooses the 'GOAT' of MMA and explains why Jon Jones is out of the running.

Jon Jones promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones

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Former UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) Luke Rockhold has once again criticized Jon Jones and questioned the American's career in MMA. The fighter acknowledged the former champion's physical and technical qualities, but stated that the doping allegations and controversies surrounding his career make it difficult to compare him to athletes who competed without such issues.

In an interview with the Instagram page Red Corner MMA, published this Thursday (17), Rockhold stated that Jones had cheated throughout his career. Despite recognizing the talent and physical characteristics of the former champion, the veteran did not spare criticism of 'Bones'.

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“I mean, it’s difficult to compete against someone ( Islam Makhachev ) who has done everything cleanly and fairly throughout his career. Jon, you know you cheated. You know you’re an incredible specimen. But you cheated,” said Luke Rockhold.

Remember the Jon Jones case?

Jon Jones in a photoshoot. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones

The first major incident occurred in 2015, before UFC 182, when Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite of cocaine, in a test conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission. However, the substance was not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in out-of-competition tests, and the fighter received no sporting punishment for the result.

Even after the test results came back, Jones entered the octagon as normal against Daniel Cormier and won by unanimous decision, retaining the light heavyweight title (up to 93kg). Later, the American admitted to recreational use of the substance and stated that he had made a mistake.

The most controversial episode of Jones' career related to anti-doping occurred in 2017, after UFC 214. On that occasion, the fighter defeated Daniel Cormier again , this time by technical knockout in the third round, regaining the light heavyweight title. However, a test revealed the presence of turinabol, a metabolite of anabolic steroids, and the outcome of the fight was subsequently changed to "no contest".

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