Jon Jones’ Manager Eagerly Awaiting Final Decision from USADA

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Abe Kawa who is one of the managers of former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion Jon Jones recently appeared on ”The MMA Hour” and talked with host Ariel Helwani about his client and how close they’re to receiving a final decision from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Jones last competed inside the Octagon in July 2017 for the light heavyweight title when he defeated current champion Daniel Cormier by knockout in the third round. After the fight, Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation by the USADA from his test sample, which was collected after he weighed in for the Cormier fight on July 28. The result was then overturned after Jones tested positive for turinabol.

If USADA finds Jones guilty he could face up to a four-year suspension.

Kawa said USADA is taking its time with the decision due to Jones’ stature as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

“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 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.”

Kawa said Jones is in the gym working hard and improving himself and is eager to get back inside the Octagon once he gets the green light from the USADA.

“He’s in a good place,” Kawa said. “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.”

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