On just five days UFC 232 has been moved from Las Vegas to Inglewood, California due to an abnormal drug test from headliner Jon Jones that’s believed to be a residual trace from his previous positive test for turinabol last year, which led to him receiving a 15 month ban.
Jones will still fight in the main event against Alexander Gustafsson however, since the UFC have insisted this is not a new drug test failure and though the Nevada athletic commission haven’t had time to fully investigate the issue, the California commission will allow the fight to go ahead.
“I’m focused on achieving my ultimate goal of reclaiming my Light Heavyweight title,” Jones wrote on Twitter after the story broke. “I have willingly submitted to every USADA test in the lead up to this fight and USADA has confirmed what I’ve been saying all along, that I’m a clean athlete. I sincerely thank the California State Athletic Commission and Andy Foster for doing the right thing and supporting me through this process. I cannot wait to fight Alex Gustafsson this Saturday December 29th at the Los Angeles Forum in Inglewood.”
Nevertheless, while the likes of the UFC’s drug czar Jeff Novitsky and UFC President Dana White have both given Jones their backing, Gustafsson is less than convinced – although still eager to make the fight happen.
“Now we all understand why you didn’t take the [VADA] test!” Gustafsson wrote on Twitter. “You can be on rocket fuel, I’ll still gonna finish you Jon!”
Later Jones wrote another lengthy message on Instagram giving more insight into his thoughts on the matter and apologize to fans for the disruption.
“How’s it going everybody? It’s your boy ‘Bones’ Jones here. I just wanted to take the time out to apologize to the fans for what is going on. This is a situation that is completely out of my control. But I still will man up and apologize for this happening. I realize there’s a lot of people who lost out in this situation. People came from Sweden, people came from Brazil, other fighters, I feel you guys’ frustration. Today has been a hell of a day. A hell of a day. Big shock to us all. Spent tears today because I can feel the frustration of the fans and I’m going to do what I can to try to make it right for at least some of you guys. I’ve already taken care of some flights and some tickets for people. So I’m doing what I can to make this right. I just really want to ensure you guys that this is not a mistake I made. Completely out of my control. But I do feel you guys’ pain and I am sincerely sorry. Love you guys and God bless you guys and I guess I’ll see some of you in California. And that’s about it. Alright, I’m gonna try to get some sleep.”
