After testing positive for a banned substance following his victory at UFC 214, the details of Jon Jones punishment and when he can return to action have finally been revealed
ESPN reports that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) suspended Jones for 15 months after testing positive for metabolites of an anabolic steroid following his win over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214. The suspension is retroactive to the day of the positive test, July 28, 2017, which means Jones is eligible for competition as early as October 28, 2018. In addition to the suspension, Jones must complete three months of community service and pay a $205,000 in order to regain possession of his license and compete again.
Jones sentence was cut to a short 15-months after an independent arbitrator determined that Jones did not take PEDs knowingly with the positive test occurring as a result of contaminated substances.
Despite the rapidly approaching clearance date, UFC head Dana White told ESPN that Jones won’t return until 2019.
“The arbitrator found that Jones never intentionally or knowingly took steroids and the result of the positive test was the result of a contaminated substance,” White said. “The science completely supports that finding. The science doesn’t lie, so I look forward to getting him back early next year.”
Jones did, however, admit to using cocaine, “prior to and for a period of time after” July 28, 2017.
After USADA’s findings were made public, Jones took to his Instagram account to express his gratitude and announce his intention to make a strong comeback. As for opponents, the last man in the Octagon with Jones, Daniel Cormier, doesn’t appear to be interested in a third installment.
To see Jones’ IG announcement, flip the page.