Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is awaiting the USADA hearing following his failed drug test for UFC 214. Now Abe Kawa, a manager to Jon Jones, has come forward with news on the matter.
Jon Jones has had his belt stripped by the UFC, as well as his knockout victory over Daniel Cormier overturned to a no contest. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has fined Jones $205,000 and revoked the former champion’s fighting license.
However, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has yet to offer a hearing on the failed drug test. Jones could face a suspension from the octagon for many years from the anti-doping watch ups.
Speaking on the latest edition of The MMA Hour, Abe Kawa claimed that a decision from USADA should be coming soon.
“It’s complicated. USADA does a very good job. People are banging on them and hating on them. There’s things I do not agree with with USADA. I’ve told them behind closed doors things I don’t agree with. But USADA does a very good job. They’ve done a very good job cleaning up the sport. It’s imperative that they get this right. It’s imperative that they get this case right, because of who Jon is. And I think they’re doing the best they can to get it right. With that being said, I’m confident that we will have a decision soon. I just don’t want to put a date on it and say, it’s gonna come down at this time, it’s gonna come at that time.
“There is a decision coming and it’s hopefully sooner rather than later.”
Speaking on Jon Jones, the manager added:
“He’s in a good place. He’s anxious to get back more than anything. People you say you get that itch — he’s got an itch, man. It’s bad. I actually feel bad for the next guy that fights him. I really do. Not saying he’s going to take it all out on him. But he’s sharpening his tools to where you thought he was good before, wait until you see him now.”
“When he saw GSP do what he did, it actually lit a fire under him. He said, ‘Man, you know what, if he can do that after four years, why can’t I? Why can’t I go out there and do that?’ Or whatever it might be. So, Jon, never once did he say, ‘I’m gonna quit, I don’t want to do this anymore.’”
