UFC 151's Jon Jones speaks out against TRT ahead of Dan Henderson title fight

Add Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones to the growing list of mixed martial artists (MMA), speaking out against Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).

The 25-year old, who became the youngest UFC champion ever when he defeated Mauricio Rua in 2011, joins Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture and Michael Bisping amongst the few fighters who have openly spoken out against the controversial, but legal, treatment that, according to them, provides unfair advantages for the fighters who choose to dabble in it.

Obviously in his prime, "Bones' believes a fighter should fight with the abilities and skill level one possesses at a certain age and TRT is just a form of providing a sort of rejuvenation to elder fighters who wish to perform the way they did when they were young.

According to Jones, he will only fight until his brain is intact and his body holds up and will continue to try and break as many records as possible while he is still young and able.

He said as much in today's (Aug. 21, 2012) UFC 151 media conference call:

"Basically, I believe that if you're healthy enough to play a sport you shouldn't take any components, enhancement drugs or testosterone. Fighters make a lot of money in their 20s and 30s. When they get in their 40s, unfortunately you're in your 40s. You should fight the way you fight in your 40's. I don't think you should be able to take a drug that pretty much gives you the strength of a 30-year-old again. That's like me saying, 'I'm not as fast-twitch as I was when I was 20 so let me take something to be 20 again.' Things like TRT and steroids should be for the sick. I want to blow through records, do it at a young age while I'm still in my prime and my brain is intact, then get out of there and explore different avenues at a young age."

Ironically enough, his opponent at UFC 151 on Sept. 1, 2012, 41-year old Dan Henderson, has undergone TRT since 2007, compiling an 8-3 record ever since. Riding a four-fight win streak with wins over Fedor Emelianenko and Rua, "Hendo's" title fight against Jones in "Sin City" could possibly be his last chance at capturing UFC gold.

For now, TRT is the furthest thing from Jones' mind because he almost half Henderson's age. Nonetheless, he is positive he will only fight until his body allows him to compete at the highest level. However, it's entirely possible that the young champion could possibly sing a different tune when he reaches Henderson's current age ... or even Couture's for that matter.

That's because the love for any sport often makes it hard for the best to walk away. Look no further than Brett Favre, Roger Clemens or even the great Dan Severn, among others.

Jones is still about 15 years away from even having to consider reversing his stance, but if he's unsuccessful next weekend, he might want to reconsider a little bit sooner.