Jared Gordon Fights Through Heroin Addiction To Star In UFC

“Positive or negative, I’m going as hard as I can. Luckily, I’m in a positive direction.”

NEW YORK, NY–Jared Gordon returned home to win the second biggest fight of his career.

Gordon, who grew up in nearby Queens, won his first-ever fight in New York, defeating Mark Madsen by TKO at UFC 295 in the hallowed walls of Madison Square Garden.

For Gordon, 35, the most significant victory of his career was arriving here. The 18-year fighting veteran battled a nearly fatal heroin addiction,

“Heroin, it’s very nostalgic for me,” said Gordon. “That sounds weird, but I can really remember and feel it. I walked by places where I used to shoot up.

“People ask how I went from this to that. I just put one foot in front of the other, had a little faith, and worked hard. It’s amazing what we can do when we are consistent and work hard.”

"New York, New York you made me" 🗣@JFlashGordonMMA speaks on what it means to get the victory in front of the home fans #UFC295 pic.twitter.com/U5MGnGXrW2

— UFC (@ufc) November 12, 2023

Gordon (20-6, 1 NC) has endured a difficult stretch over the past 11 months. He lost a controversial decision to Paddy Pimblett in December, then had a no contest against Bobby Green due to an accidental clash of heads in a fight he was clearly winning.

That made the right hand that connected in the waning moments of the first round against Madsen even sweeter. It produced the first TKO loss in Madsen’s career–as well as Gordon’s first finish in the UFC since his Octagon debut in 2017.

“I want a top-15 opponent,” said Gordon, whose grandfather boxed at MSG on four different occasions. “I just finished this guy. That’s what I want next. If they offer someone, I’ll take it.”

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Gordon has the potential to make even more noise in the lightweight division, especially with a ranked opponent in his immediate future. He is one of the sport’s great success stories, rising from far below the canvas to live a clean life full of UFC triumphs.

“I’ve been processing this for the past eight years,” said Gordon. “For me, it feels like I’m going through my day. I used to shoot heroin. Now I’m fighting in the UFC. I’m an extremist with everything. If I’m going to be a criminal and a drug addict, I’m going to do it the hardest I can, and that’s with a needle. If I’m fighting, I’m not looking to do it regionally, I want to fight for the best in the world, and that’s the UFC.

“Positive or negative, I’m going as hard as I can. Luckily, I’m in a positive direction.”