While Jon Jones had a predictably unfiltered response to rival Daniel Cormier regarding the irregular drug test that led to the relocation of UFC 232, “Bones” had a more thoughtful message to the fans affected by the venue change.
“How’s it going everybody? It’s your boy ‘Bones’ Jones here. I just wanted to take the time out to apologize to the fans for what is going on. This is a situation that is completely out of my control,” Jones said in a video his Instagram story on Sunday evening. “But I still will man up and apologize for this happening. I realize there’s a lot of people who lost out in this situation. People came from Sweden, people came from Brazil, other fighters, I feel you guys’ frustration. Today has been a hell of a day. A hell of a day. Big shock to us all.”
Jones is scheduled to face Alexander Gustafsson for the vacant light heavyweight title in the UFC 232 headliner on Saturday. The card was moved from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., after the Nevada Athletic Commission refused to license Jones due to a drug testing abnormality. It was determined that trace amounts of Turinabol metabolite remained in Jones system from his failed 2017 drug test, which was why the card was moved instead of canceling Jones’ fight.
UFC President Dana White said that the promotion will refund fans who bought tickets to the event in Vegas, or accommodate any requests to transfer tickets for those who wish to travel to California instead.
Jones claims he is doing his part to help those who made plans to see his first UFC fight in more than a year.
“Spent tears today because I can feel the frustration of the fans and I’m going to do what I can to try to make it right for at least some of you guys,” Jones said. “I’ve already taken care of some flights and some tickets for people. So I’m doing what I can to make this right.
“I just really want to ensure you guys that this is not a mistake I made. Completely out of my control. But I do feel you guys’ pain and I am sincerely sorry. Love you guys and God bless you guys and I guess I’ll see some of you in California. And that’s about it. Alright, I’m gonna try to get some sleep.”
Jones also issued a separate statement regarding the drug tests and event relocation on his Twitter account:
I’m focused on achieving my ultimate goal of reclaiming my Light Heavyweight title. I have willingly submitted to every USADA test in the lead up to this fight and USADA has confirmed what I’ve been saying all along, that I’m a clean athlete. I sincerely thank the California
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) December 24, 2018
State Athletic Commission and Andy Foster for doing the right thing and supporting me through this process. I cannot wait to fight Alex Gustafsson this Saturday December 29th at the Los Angeles Forum in Inglewood.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) December 24, 2018
Can’t bend me, can’t break me. #Champion2018
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) December 24, 2018