UFC Streak Dispute
Islam Makhachev Questions Jon Jones's Unbeaten UFC Record Following Doping Controversies
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Key Points
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Jones received a 15-month suspension after testing positive for extremely small amounts of a turinabol metabolite; an independent arbitrator later concluded that he likely ingested it unknowingly and that it was not performance-enhancing.
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According to the Times of India report, Jones has faced two major doping controversies, receiving suspensions after failed tests in both 2017 and 2018; in the 2017 case, he attributed the substance to a contaminated sexual-enhancement product.
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Jones’ disciplinary history also includes a December 2014 out-of-competition test that detected a cocaine metabolite. The UFC fined him $25,000, but the result did not lead to a suspension, and Jones later entered a treatment facility.
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Makhachev’s record-setting streak reached 17 consecutive victories after his win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, surpassing Anderson Silva’s previous UFC record of 16; Jones’ hypothetical 20-fight streak would have dated to December 2009.
Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones are locked in a heated dispute over whose unbeaten UFC streak is more legitimate. Makhachev set the UFC's official win-streak record at 17 consecutive victories after beating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. But he argues that Jones' 20-fight unbeaten run should not count because Jones had a 2017 victory over Daniel Cormier overturned following a failed drug test Times of India. Makhachev contends that Jones' doping violations mean his streak should have restarted from zero.
Makhachev Questions Jones' Streak Legitimacy
Makhachev says Jones remains a great fighter but that his doping controversies invalidate his win streak. The Dagestan fighter points out that Jones tested positive for a turinabol metabolite in 2017 and received a 15-month suspension Times of India. That positive test forced the UFC to overturn Jones' victory over Cormier, removing it from the official record. Makhachev argues this should reset the entire streak, not just erase one fight.
Makhachev doubled down on his criticism, accusing Jones of repeatedly breaking rules while avoiding real consequences. He says Jones' pattern of doping violations shows a systemic problem, not a one-time accident. The lightweight champion claims his 17-fight streak is cleaner and therefore more deserving of the record.
Jones Fires Back With Science and Social Media
Jones responded on social media by citing USADA's findings that the detected substance was not performance-enhancing or intentionally used Times of India. An independent arbitrator concluded Jones likely ingested the turinabol metabolite unknowingly, possibly through a contaminated supplement. Jones insists that his hand was raised in every single fight he competed in under UFC rules.
Jones mocked Makhachev's only loss and criticized former rival Daniel Cormier to escalate the personal feud. He refused to accept that his streak should be tarnished by violations he claims were accidental. Jones has faced multiple doping controversies beyond the 2017 case, including another failed test in 2018 Times of India.
Jones' Troubled Disciplinary History Extends Further
Jones' problems go beyond the 2017 turinabol case. In December 2014, he tested positive for a cocaine metabolite during an out-of-competition test Times of India. The UFC fined him $25,000 but did not suspend him. Jones later entered a treatment facility to address the issue.
A second doping controversy in 2018 added to the pattern of violations Times of India. Jones attributed the 2017 positive test to a contaminated sexual-enhancement product, claiming he did not knowingly use performance-enhancing drugs. His multiple violations have made him a polarizing figure in the sport.
Competing Records and the Streak Timeline
Makhachev's 17-fight streak now stands as the UFC's official record. It surpassed Anderson Silva's previous mark of 16 consecutive victories. Jones' hypothetical 20-fight unbeaten run would date back to December 2009 if it counted without interruption.
The dispute hinges on whether fighters should be held accountable for all doping violations or only intentional cheating. Makhachev takes a hardline stance that any positive test should trigger a streak reset. Jones and his supporters argue that accidental ingestion should not erase a fighter's legitimate record of victories in the octagon.
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