On Wednesday, the USADA ruled that UFC fighter Jon Jones would receive a fifteen-month sanction for his 2017 anti-doping policy violation. The sanction began retroactively, starting on July 28, 2017, when Jones tested positive for a banned substance, meaning that Jones will be eligible to fight again starting on October 28 of this year.
Prior to his suspension, Jones had won his fight with Daniel Cormier at UFC 217 via knockout, which gave him the light heavyweight championship title once again. However, the next month, it was revealed that Jones had tested positive for banned substances. The fight was ruled a no-contest, and the title was returned to Cormier.
Jones tweeted about the sanction on Wednesday night:
It’s difficult to express myself at this moment but I can definitely say my heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation. I want to thank all of you who have stood by me during the toughest stretch of my life.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) September 20, 2018
It has meant the world to me and always will. But now is the time to shift the focus front and center to the road ahead. Greatness is what I’m chasing and the path to reclaiming my throne is now officially open. Comeback Season begins now
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) September 20, 2018
Read more details about the USADA’s ruling here.
