UFC Issues Statement on Jon Jones’ Failed Drug Test

Just moments ago, breaking news was announced indicating that former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones was pulled from his upcoming UFC 200 bout just days before the event, which is slated for July 9, 2016, after being notified by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) of a potential anti-doping violation.

UFC President Dana White held a press conference in Las Vegas to announce the shocking news, but many of the details had yet to be unraveled. The UFC has since released its official statement, however, which includes more information on the matter:

“The UFC organization was notified tonight that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Jon Jones of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on June 16, 2016. 

USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.

However, because Jones was scheduled to compete against Daniel Cormier this coming Saturday, July 9 in Las Vegas, there is insufficient time for a full review before the scheduled bout and therefore the fight has been removed from the fight card. As a result, the three-round heavyweight bout between Brock Lesnar and Mark Hunt will become the UFC 200 main event.

Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

What substance Jones tested positive for and what type of punishment may loom over him has yet to be revealed, but be sure to stay tuned to LowKickMMA as more news on this situation unfolds.