Jesse Ronson, a fighter who received a 20-month ban from the USADA on November 18, 2020, revealed that his test came back positive for metandienone on July 22. That was four days prior to his victory over Nicolas Dalby. The result was subsequently changed to a no contest after the positive test was confirmed.
The Canadian welterweight's suspension began on July 22. USADA reduced his ban by four months due to his "full and complete cooperation" during the investigation.
Ronson, 34, of Canada, first shared the news via Facebook on November 17, 2021, sharing his perspective on the situation. During an exclusive sit-down with MMA Empire, he opened up about his initial reaction, what might have triggered the failed test, and how USADA handled the investigation.
How did you first find out about the suspension?
"It was pretty bizarre. It was August 18 and my manager called me around 5 p.m. He told me I'd tested positive for metandienone, and I was like, 'what the f**k is that?!'
We both had no clue. He said, 'Yeah, you're looking at a two-year suspension, and they're sending me paperwork. You need to fill it out so we can start the investigation.'
My manager was taken aback because he'd never heard of metandienone himself. I hadn't either until I looked it up. He mentioned it's typically an injectable compound, though it's more commonly found in pill form.
I dug deeper and discovered that nobody manufactures this stuff anymore—you'd essentially have to walk into a steroid lab and convince someone to make you pills. Beyond that, there's nowhere else to obtain it. As I kept researching, I learned that a lot of supplements have been contaminated with metandienone.
The number of products laced with this stuff is staggering. I read about a CFL player who recently tested positive for metandienone as well. He was suspended from the CFL and said his supplements were tainted too. Seems like this stuff is widespread."
After all your research, do you have a theory on where the metandienone came from?
"I'm convinced it was a contaminated supplement. The testosterone booster I was using at the time—which was completely legal; I'd passed numerous drug tests before that—had to be the culprit. By the time my results came back, I was out of the supplement and couldn't send anything to USADA.
My manager suggested I purchase another bottle and send it off, so I went out to buy more, but that batch came back clean. So I suspect I got a bad batch of that product. Since then, I've passed four consecutive tests with flying colors.
USADA conducted a thorough investigation and reached out to several people. They concluded it was likely from a tainted supplement and noted that some companies have produced contaminated batches in the past."
Could you walk us through how USADA's investigation unfolded and how you cooperated?
"They notified me of the failed test on August 18, and I had to complete various forms. A week later, they tested me, and then two weeks later they tested again, and twice more two weeks apart, and then a third time three weeks later. I believe they were trying to check for any residue in my system.
During a Zoom call, they questioned me extensively and requested everything I'd consumed over the previous two years. I described the testosterone booster I used, and they asked whether I'd reviewed their website or any other resources. My nutritionist examined that testosterone booster and confirmed everything appeared fine, so they asked me for my nutritionist's contact information. I provided his number, my coach's number, and other references. USADA then contacted everyone and asked questions to determine whether they were protecting me—they weren't.
They also asked about my background to verify my credibility. Ultimately, thanks to my cooperation and honest admission, I received a four-month reduction in my suspension—bringing it down from two years to 20 months."
A common belief among MMA fans is that most fighters use PEDs. What's your take on that idea?
"Here's the reality: if you have the money, you absolutely can take anything you want and avoid detection. The chemists out there—and what they're capable of—masking agents, diuretic steroids, whatever—it costs them about $60,000 to bypass panels and tests. These chemists know things that regular testing programs don't account for.
USADA is incredibly thorough. They can collect your blood and urine samples 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year—if you're doing something, they'll catch you. That's why we've seen so much change over the years. When USADA arrived, all these legendary fighters just disappeared from the top ranks. So I don't think anyone's taking anything anymore—or if they are, it's something that just emerged and isn't yet on the banned substance list."
Has this suspension changed how you view your training setup or support staff?
"Absolutely not. My team believes me. If they thought I'd do this intentionally, they'd have cut me loose from the gym. The staff operates like a family. We've all known each other for years; we don't bring in outsiders who'd want to undermine anything like that."
Do you feel any anger, bitterness or frustration toward anyone or anything because of this failed test and the resulting suspension?
"No. USADA is doing its job—that's precisely why they exist. I didn't take metandienone. I'm not a cheater—I've never cheated. I feel like I'm the one being cheated by a company.
I don't hold any ill will toward USADA or anyone at the UFC. They're just doing their jobs and keeping everyone else safe."
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
