Islam Makhachev’s comments regarding Jon Jones’ past doping cases, and whether or not that unqualified him from discussions regarding the greatest athletes of the sport, has initiated a debate between the MMA stars on social media.
It all started Monday, when Makhachev told Red Corner MMA that Jones’ winning streak wasn’t “considered valid” because he was “caught doping twice.” One of those instances was against Makhachev’s longtime friend Daniel Cormier, when Jones’ win was overturned to no-contest — and stripped of the 205-pound title — after he tested positive for a turinabol metabolite.
“I’m not denying that Jon Jones is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Makhachev said. “But he was caught doping twice, and I think that’s why his streak isn’t considered valid. He went into a fight while on PEDs and won. That’s where a new count should have started.”
Jones clapped back on social media not only defending himself from the accusation, but also taking a shot at Cormier and implying that Makhachev has yet to join him “at the top” of GOAT discussions.
Let’s start this week by dispeling rumors that have been spread by people chasing me:
Makhachev countered hours later, again mentioning Jones’ run-troubled past.
“Jon, I’m not trying to diminish your achievements in any way,” Makhachev wrote on X. “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.”
Jones and Makhachev have both won and defended UFC titles in two divisions, with Makhachev currently reigning in the welterweight division with wins over Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Machado Garry. Jones walked away from the sport after finishing Stipe Miocic in 2024 to retain the heavyweight championship.
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