Rashad Evans Claims USADA Popped Jon Jones For Estrogen Blockers, Casual Fans Confused Why ‘Bones’ Would Take Such A Supplement
At UFC 200: Tate vs. Nunes, Jon Jones had the opportunity to prove to himself, as well as to the MMA community, that he was still the best in the UFC light heavyweight division, despite having his title stripped from him due to a hit-and-run. Upon his return, “Bones” earned the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 197: Jones vs. Saint Preux by defeating Ovince Saint Preux. Now, all Jon Jones had to do was defeat the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Cormier.
Unfortunately for him, Jon Jones would never get the chance to prove that he could defeat Daniel Cormier like he did at UFC 182: Jones vs. Cormier. Just days before the monumental UFC premier event, Jones failed his drug test, popping for a potentially-banned substance. It was never revealed what said potentially-banned substance was, but many in the MMA community, from reporters to fans, are speculating.
Rashad Evans was acting as an on-scene reporter for CBS Sports when he made the statement, as reported by MMA Junkie. According to Evans, the credible source he sites for Jones using estrogen blockers was Jones’ camp itself. Despite saying Jones used estrogen blockers, he did not mention which ones specifically Jones allegedly used. It should also be noted that Evans’ report fits with Dana White’s announcement on Jones being out of UFC 200. White said Jones tested positive for a pair of substances. However, White denied the use of any performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Did allegedly taking estrogen blockers to mask steroids ruin the legacy of Jon Jones? @JonnyBones @dc_mma @joerogan
— Sophia Helwani (@SophiaHelwani) July 15, 2016
Some in the MMA community, especially those who are considered casual fans, are actually wondering why Jon Jones would even take estrogen blockers. There are even some seasoned fans who are a bit confused too. What they do not know is that athletes, not just MMA fighters, use estrogen blockers as post-cycle therapy. Bloody Elbow did an excellent job providing an informational article describing why MMA fighters use estrogen blockers and what they do.
Apparently, there is some evidence that certain estrogen blockers, such as Clomid, also increases the production of testosterone, the primary steroid hormone which would increase muscle mass and athletic performance. Besides that, estrogen blockers are used to counter the increased estrogen production often caused when testosterone goes through aromatization in which it converts to estriadol or primarily-active estrogen. Too much estrogen in the body has side effects that most male athletes want to avoid, such as increased subcutaneous (under the skin) fat or gynecomastia (breast enlargement).
So, to be fair, Jon Jones at least did not use a PED prior to his fight. However, it is possible he may have taken testosterone booster supplements simply because of estrogen blockers present in his system. Ultimately, the damage is done. Jon Jones was taken out of UFC 200, he lost his excellent payday, and he lost his chance to redeem himself, as well as become a two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. And just so it is known, Daniel Cormier has made it clear he will not wait around for Jon Jones, so it is possible that he may never fight Cormier as champion.
[AP Photo/Isaac Brekken]
