What does it say about mixed martial arts (MMA), particularly Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), when three of its biggest stars are forced to appear before Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to answer for failed drug tests and post-fight brawls?
Bad things. It says bad things.
Reigning light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, will address the commission on Jan. 29 to explain why Turinabol continues to sporadically pop up on pre- and post-fight drug tests, like the one that forced UFC 232 to be moved from Las Vegas to California.
Joining “Bones” at next week’s hearing will be lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as former champion Conor McGregor, for their roles in the UFC 229 spectacle that turned turned into a near-riot.
Read the commission’s agenda right here.
Jones is not facing any sort of punishment for his latest controversy; however, he will need NSAC to rubber stamp his fight license if he plans to defend against Anthony Smith in the UFC 235 pay-per-view (PPV) main event in March.
Nurmagmedov and McGregor may not be so lucky and could draw either a fine or suspension (perhaps both). That said, “The Eagle” is considered to be in more trouble than “Notorious” and could end up with stiffer punishment.
We’ll find out next Tuesday.
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