NSAC has confirmed the two banned substances found in Jon Jones system with a decision expected to be handed out later this year. (Photo : Getty Images/Ethan Miller)
Jon Jones continues to sit on pins and needles following his last-minute pullout from UFC 200. Jones was supposed to have his much awaited rematch with champion Daniel Cormier before the Nevada State Athletic Commission stepped in.
Prior to the July 9 event, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) found Jones’s “A” samples positive with a banned substance. “Bones” was immediately removed from the card for a potential anti-doping violation which sent Dana White and the UFC into total disarray, MMA Junkie reported.
With the main event scratched, the UFC booked Daniel Cormier vs. Anderson Silva instead in a non-title match. It was hardly a card that impressed but given the little time to replace Jones, “The Spider” was the one to answer the call.
The NSAC recently confirmed that Jones did test positive for two banned substances (hydroxy-clomiphene and letrozole metabolite), CBS Sports reported. Both substances are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, allegedly something that can tandem with performance enhancers.
With the development, Jones’ license continues to be temporarily suspended pending the formal hearing. The board voted unanimously to uphold his suspension which could be decided somewhere between September or October.
If Jones is found guilty, the former UFC light heavyweight champion could be banned for up to two years. Howard Jacobs will act as Jones’ legal counsel on the matter, someone who has a proven track record. Among the names he has represented in the past include Sean Sherk, Alexander Shlemenko and Tim Means.
Jones has denied any wrong-doing, claiming he was unaware of the banned substances. With various groups branding him as a cheater, “Bones” says he may be ignorant (on the substances) but a cheater he is not.
Right now, Jones is in limbo with White furious at the sudden turn of events on of the UFC’s promising stars. The UFC president believes that Jones’ future is entirely in his hands, meaning it is up to him to clean his act in another report from MMA Junkie.
For those who missed it, the video below covers Jon Jones touching on the failed drug tests.
