Jon Jones Classifies Chael Sonnen As Steroids User
Jon Jones has classified Chael Sonnen as a steroids user in comments leading up to their confrontation at UFC 159 on April 27. Jones made the comments during a Tuesday interview with Fuel TV’s UFC Tonight.
MMA Junkie was watching and picked up the full accusations Wednesday. Speaking about prior comments that Sonnen didn’t have a “championship soul,” Jones said Sonnen “is a guy who people know he’s done steroids throughout his career.”
“It’s probably the reason why his testosterone is low now. I don’t think that’s the heart or an attitude of a champion. That’s what I meant when I said he lacks a championship soul,” Jones added.
Sonnen was suspended for elevated testosterone levels following his August 2010 bout against Anderson Silva. Coincidentally, he lost that fight but not before mopping the floor with the middleweight champion for close to five full rounds.
Chael Sonnen claimed he had a medical exemption for the use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Those claims were refuted by Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer.
According to Bleacher Report, Sonnen was eventually granted the medical exemption in May 2012.
“I don’t have an option,” Sonnen said in an interview. “I either take this medicine or die. I’m not asking if I can take it. It’s up to them to let me take it. It’s a substance that’s often abused, and I deal with taking it in shame. But a blood test can clear you, and show I take the appropriate amount.”
Despite Sonnen’s explanation, Jon Jones lashed out on Twitter prior to his Tuesday appearance. “Take steroids in your prime testosterone levels drop then you take TRT to get in your prime again..[sic]Maybe I should just join the team $$$,” he stated.
The light heavyweight champion has upped the trash talk after staying largely silent and allowing Sonnen the floor. And Sonnen has dug pretty deep in coming after Jones:
Most recently, the challenger has taunted the champ with a series of tweets called “The Countdown” that are, shall we say, typical Chael Sonnen.
As for Jones, his previous arrest for DUI proves he isn’t squeaky clean either, but we suppose his hands are spotless when it comes to throwing elbows inside a cage.
Do you think Jon Jones was right to criticize Chael Sonnen as a steroids user? Who do you think will win at UFC 159?
[Image via Flickr Creative Commons]
