Abe Kawa is one of the managers for former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. That job can’t be easy given Jon’s track record and brushes with the law contrasting his unrivaled talents and potential in the cage. Kawa spoke with MMAFighting on The MMA Hour and discussed the current USADA suspension his client is serving that stems from a failed drug test back in 2016, and their appeals.
It’s complicated. USADA does a very good job. People are banging on them and hating on them. There’s things I do not agree with with USADA. I’ve told them behind closed doors things I don’t agree with. But USADA does a very good job. They’ve done a very good job cleaning up the sport. It’s imperative that they get this right. It’s imperative that they get this case right, because of who Jon is. And I think they’re doing the best they can to get it right. With that being said, I’m confident that we will have a decision soon. I just don’t want to put a date on it and say, it’s gonna come down at this time, it’s gonna come at that time. There is a decision coming and it’s hopefully sooner rather than later.
The suspension was devastating for Jones because it came shortly after knocking Daniel Cormier out recapturing the light heavyweight crown. Abe also talked about Jon’s current condition in preparation for another shot at the title when he returns.
He’s in a good place. He’s anxious to get back more than anything. People you say you get that itch — he’s got an itch, man. It’s bad. I actually feel bad for the next guy that fights him. I really do. Not saying he’s going to take it all out on him. But he’s sharpening his tools to where you thought he was good before, wait until you see him now.
Will we finally get the Jon Jones we all want or will we get more of the same?