UFC 159: Jon Jones apologizes for accusing Chael Sonnen of being a 'career-long steroid user'

Earlier this week, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones appeared on UFC Tonight to preview his upcoming UFC 159 title defense against fellow Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 17 coach Chael Sonnen, which headlines the April 27, 2013 pay-per-view (PPV) event from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

This is what he said.

"Chael Sonnen is a guy who has done steroids throughout his whole career. It's probably the reason his testosterone is low now."

Interesting observation from a guy who said he wasn't going to talk any trash leading up to the fight and even took a vow of silence during last weekend's TUF 17 Finale. See a video of his appearance, which also includes comments about Sonnen's "championship soul" right here.

Apparently he's had a change of heart, or perhaps a stern talking-to from someone in the booth, according to his recent Twitter post.

"I had no right to accuse chael of being a career long steroid user I apologize. See what had happened was...."

Sonnen, who reportedly suffers from hypogonadism, was bagged and tagged by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) back in August 2010 for improperly disclosing his testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prior to his first fight against Anderson Silva in Oakland.

It cost him six months on the sidelines.

The 36 year-old "American Gangster" has since properly disclosed his TRT use (which began back in 2008) to local athletic commissions prior to competing in the states of Illinois at UFC on FOX 2, Texas at UFC 136 and Nevada at UFC 148.

And you can bet your bottom dollar there will be another one in "The Garden State."

This isn't the first time Jones took his opponent to task for TRT. During a UFC 159 media conference call back in October of last year, "Bones" was able to do something few people can, and that's get Sonnen to shut the hole under his nose.

See their conversation play out here.

With UFC President Dana White losing the plot over the recent outbreak of TRT use, it's likely he -- as well as the rest of the ZUFFA brass -- don't want to give it any more attention than it deserves. Then again, this is a topic that does deserve attention, until the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) can find a way to control it.

If or when that day ever comes.

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