Colby Covington Accuses Jon Jones of Steroid Use in College

Longtime rival claims MMA star was 'cheating' to bulk up in their shared wrestling days

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements and energy of a mixed martial arts competition, with sharp planes of vivid red, blue, and yellow hues.Allegations of steroid use in college further cloud the legacy of one of MMA's most dominant champions.Minneapolis Today

Former roommates Colby Covington and Jon Jones had a falling out in college, according to Covington, due to Jones' alleged use of steroids to gain size and strength. Covington claims Jones' mood swings and aggressive behavior were a result of the 'chemicals and steroids' he was taking, leading to conflicts between the two wrestlers.

Why it matters

This latest accusation adds to the long history of doping allegations against Jones, one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history. If true, it could further tarnish Jones' legacy and reputation as the 'GOAT' of the sport.

The details

Covington says that while he and Jones were roommates at Iowa Central Community College, their relationship was good until Jones started using testosterone 'to beef up from 197 to heavyweight.' Covington claims this led to Jones having 'mood swings' and 'freaking out about little s--t' due to the 'chemicals and steroids' he was taking. Covington alleges that Jones 'failed two or three steroid tests' and 'was doing it in college because he wanted to bulk up to heavyweight.'

  • Covington and Jones were roommates while wrestling for Iowa Central Community College.

The players

Colby Covington

A former UFC welterweight title challenger and longtime rival of Jon Jones.

Jon Jones

One of the most dominant fighters in MMA history, who has faced multiple doping allegations throughout his career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'It wasn't until my last year in college when he started using testosterone. Because he wanted to beef up from 197 to heavyweight. So his plan was like, 'Hey, let's just start doing a bunch of testosterone to get strength and get bigger.' That's when his mood swings started going all over the place.'”

— Colby Covington, UFC Fighter

“'He would freak out about little s--t that didn't matter just because he was having mood swings from all the chemicals and the steroids he was putting in his body. That's facts. No one can dispute that. He failed two or three steroid tests. The guy's a cheater, bro. He was doing it in college because he wanted to bulk up to heavyweight. He didn't want to go 197 anymore.'”

— Colby Covington, UFC Fighter

What’s next

The allegations made by Covington against Jones have not been independently verified, and Jones has not yet responded to the claims. It remains to be seen if this latest accusation will lead to any further investigations or consequences for the MMA star.

The takeaway

Colby Covington's accusations against his former roommate Jon Jones add to the long history of doping allegations that have plagued Jones' career. If true, it could further tarnish Jones' legacy as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. However, the claims remain unverified, and Jones has not yet addressed them publicly.