Showdown Joe Examines This Week’s MMA Headlines: Jon Jones, Carwin-Rizin, USADA

Despite the lull in UFC events, headlines from some of the sport’s biggest names continue to make waves. From Jon Jones to Dominick Cruz, tirades and call outs are what’s keeping us afloat. And could Shane Carwin be making a return to action … versus Fedor?

In case you missed it, Jon Jones went on a Twitter rampage talking about his heart and skill as a fighter. Personally, I would never question Jon’s heart … I was less than 20 feet away when Vitor Belfort mangled his arm in Toronto, only to see Jones dig deep and have his hand raised in victory.

His skills cannot be questioned. The man is an absolute marvel to watch. When he takes risks, it’s a sight to behold. Some of his techniques would make even Brett Hart state “Excellence of Execution”.

But there was one tweet that has raised an eyebrow or two:

Jon stated “Steroids didn't give me the believe that I am the baddest mf on this planet”.

Arguments are being made that this is an admission of guilt, while others are saying that is definitely not the case.

Unless Jon and his team can come to a settlement with USADA by October 31st, his case will go to arbitration. Will he still be suspended for one year? Will he get that reduced or thrown out completely? And then what will his fate be with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

It’s been awhile since Jon and Dana White both hinted that the disgraced former champion would be back in action, sooner than later. Unfortunately, it’s been “later”, much to the dismay of Bones’ fanbase. In fact, like him or not, the sport misses a guy who can fight like that, but not at the expense of potentially being a cheater and a guy who gets in as much trouble as he does.

No one is perfect, but a part of me will always hope for the best for Jon, as his legacy may be tainted in most eyes, but I can assure you of one thing: the majority of MMA fans and media have short term memory. It’s a sport where recency bias takes precedent over historical recollection.

Speaking of champions, UFC Bantamweight Dominick Cruz has been granted his request to fight Cody Garbrandt. The callout came awhile back, but as discussed on our FightFul podcast, it could be dangerous territory for “The Dominator”.

I’m of the believe that when a champion calls out a fighter, he is picking fights and potentially sees an easy pay day. I’m not saying either of these items are what Cruz believes, it’s just simply a sense I have gotten, having spoken with a litany of current and former UFC champs in the past.

Anything can happen in MMA, and both Cruz and Garbrandt know this. Do I give the edge to Cruz in this match-up? Yes. Can Cody pull off the stunning upset? Damn right he can.

Then there’s the interesting case of Shane Carwin, who recently tweeted out a picture of himself with Rizin FF executive Jerry Millen, a pair of Rizin FF gloves, then stating “I did accept a fight with Fedor. He likely won't fight again. I meet with Rizin and they have a great offer but NOTHING is signed.”

As the play by play guy for Rizin’s English broadcasts, you don’t need me to tell you — where there is smoke, there is fire.

Pardon by greedy double edged sword here, but if this fight actually takes place for the New Year’s Eve cards, I’m not sure which part of me will be more ecstatic: the professional or the fan. Either way, my fingers are crossed that this bout can actually take place.