Jon Jones confirms UFC drug testing pool status amid retirement questions
Jon Jones remains in the UFC drug testing pool and has not formally retired, the former heavyweight champion confirmed this week.
Jones, who cornered protege Gable Steveson at UFC 329 in Las Vegas earlier this month, told Ring Magazine that he still undergoes regular blood and drug tests through the promotion's anti-doping program. "When it comes to me actually fighting anyone, I keep the door open," he said. "I'm in the UFC's drug testing pool. I get drug tested, blood tested all the time."
What Jones said about his UFC contract status
The 38-year-old clarified his position after negotiations with UFC CEO Dana White over a proposed White House event stalled out earlier this year, creating uncertainty around his promotional status. Jones said the UFC remains contractually obligated to offer him multiple fights per year as long as he stays in the testing pool, though he has not heard from the promotion recently. "Right now, my main focus is being a good dad, a good family man," Jones added, per MMA Mania. "When I get offered a fight, that's gonna be great. We'll see how I feel when that time comes."
Despite the public friction during contract talks, Jones insisted White is a "homie for life" and that any bad blood has been squashed. His comments mark the most open he has sounded about a UFC return since the White House deal collapsed.
Jones turns 39 on Sunday and has been linked to a potential November matchup with heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who recently expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight.
Original reporting:
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