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New UFC Champion Slams 'Big Cheater' Jon Jones

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 1:57 PM ET

The prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in MMA has become an escalating concern within the fighter community. While some athletes may consider PEDs to give themselves an edge, most fighters are vocal about how it undermines the sport's integrity by creating an uneven playing field. Some fighters will go so far as to trash talk those who cheat through interviews and social media out of genuine disdain or to drum up public discussion about the use of PEDs in the sport.

In the aftermath of UFC 313, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev didn't hold back in expressing his views on former division kingpin and current heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

Following his unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira, Ankalaev responded to Jones's subtle online flex about his title defenses by labeling him a "big cheater," referencing Jones's past controversies involving failed drug tests.

Yes, but all this CHAMPIONs clean his big cheater we all know this
— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) March 10, 2025

Jones's tenure in the light heavyweight division was marked by dominance, with notable victories over elite competitors such as Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Glover Teixeira. However, his legacy has been marred by multiple failed drug tests. Notably, his UFC 214 win against Cormier was overturned after testing positive for a turinabol metabolite, and he also tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole at UFC 197 against Ovince Saint Preux, leading to title forfeitures on both occasions.

Ankalaev's recent triumph has not only solidified his position atop the light heavyweight division but has also reignited discussions about potential matchups. While Jones has transitioned to the heavyweight division, Ankalaev has tweeted about confidence in his ability to challenge Jones at heavyweight.

Other fighters have expressed similar sentiments as Ankalaev. For instance, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has openly criticized Jones on Piers Morgan Uncensored, asserting that his failed drug tests exclude him from being labeled the greatest MMA fighter of all time.

Additionally, Matt Hamill, the only fighter with a win over Jones (via disqualification), has labeled him a "cheater" on Facebook comment sections in light of Jones's doping controversies.

Other MMA community members, however, still believe Jones's failed drug tests do not take away from his legacy or skill as a fighter. Among those who have defended him is UFC President Dana White.

After Jones's fight against Cormier was overturned back in 2017, White defended his status as an all-time MMA great on the Fox Sports 1 show Undisputed, saying, "He's the best to ever do it. He didn't need those drugs."

As Ankalaev basks in his championship victory, the prospect of a future showdown with Jones remains an intriguing possibility for fight fans worldwide.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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