Jon Jones issues cryptic tweet one week after second drug fail

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is facing a potential four-year suspension and the loss of his undisputed title.

But to read his Twitter feed on Sunday, you’d think he had not a care in the world.

“Times like these remind me how blessed I truly am,” Jones (23-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC), 30, wrote. “So much to be grateful for.”

Jones, according to a statement released in the wake of his failed UFC 214 drug test, was reportedly “crushed” by the news. His team vowed to stand by him.

The champ has received unquestioning support from longtime manager Malki Kawa, who steadfastly denied he had cheated and promised to appeal the findings of the UFC’s anti-doping partner, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. His teammate Frank Lester went so far as to insinuate his third failed test, this time for banned steroid turabinol, was the result of a setup.

To others, namely UFC President Dana White, it’s not looking good. The promoter expects Jones’ “B” sample to come back positive.

“I’m hearing that this drug is out of your system in two days. That’s what I’m hearing,” White said. “I don’t know enough about these things, but that’s what I’m hearing. So that would make sense (if Jones knowingly cheated). Plus, it’s all about who’s giving you advice. If he did do this, he didn’t go out and just get this himself. Somebody gave it to him.”

For the second time, USADA is conducting results management for a potential doping violation involving Jones. That could take anywhere from two to six months, according to the UFC’s Jeff Novitzky. In the meantime, Jones is administratively suspended.

If Jones loses his latest case, the UFC could strip him of the belt he retook after knocking out Daniel Cormier (19-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) at UFC 214. The promotion could also fine him up to $500,000.

The last time Jones got in hot water, the consequences were less severe. An arbitrator hired by USADA ruled he didn’t intentionally cheat after a banned estrogen blocker was found in his system prior to UFC 200. Yet the anti-doping agency suspended the fighter one year for the “reckless” behavior that led to the positive.

This time around, there’s a lot on the line. A four-year suspension could end his career. But if his tweet is any indication of how he’s feeling, that’s something he’d rather not think about right now.

For complete coverage of UFC 214, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

The Blue Corner is MMAjunkie‘s official blog and is edited by Mike Bohn.