Alexander Gustafsson reacts to Jon Jones news

It seems that almost every fighter on the UFC roster has something to say about Jon Jones’ potential USADA violation, which stems from a failed test that occurred on the night of the UFC 214 weigh-ins.

Some fighters think it’s time for the UFC and the governing athletic commissions to drop the hammer on the light heavyweight great. Others, meanwhile, are eager to remind fans to not to judge until all the facts have been collected. Alexander Gustafsson, one of Jones’ fiercest rivals, falls into this latter category.

“It’s very difficult to say anything right now until we know the whole story,” he told Kimura.se of Jones’ bust (via MMAUno.com). “We’ll have to wait and see what the B sample says. If it’s proven to be true, it is a shame for our entire sport, and very bad for [Daniel Cormier] who lost his belt against him, sorry for all his fans.”

“For my part, it is boring too if he’d been doped and be turned off, is there anyone who I really wanted to me to rematch and beat Jon Jones. Revenge which is something I really looked forward to and really wanted to have.”

While Gustafsson is keen to withhold judgement till all the facts are in, he is admittedly not surprised by this development. He also thinks Jones should probably retire if he’s proven guilty.

If I am surprised? No, nothing with the man surprises me anymore,” he said. “But I would not judge him yet, not until we know everything.”

“If it were to be true, then it would probably be best for him to quit the sport.” 

Jones and Gustafsson fought back in 2013, in the main event of UFC 165. On that night, Jones escaped with a hotly-debated decision win, and the light heavyweight belt.

Do you think Jon Jones should retire if he’s found guilty?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 8/23/2017.