Jones was due to face Daniel Cormier in a much anticipated rematch before news dropped Thursday that the former champion had potentially fallen foul of the UFC’s doping rules.
The UFC released the following statement on the news.
“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 andΒ 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.
“Ticket refunds available upon request at primary point of purchase.”
What do you make of Jones’ latest controversy and do you think he’ll ever step foot in the octagon again?
Have your say by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.
Honestly, I'm crushed by this. Was really looking forward to this fight, after all that build up... https://t.co/M0yBzJqmXM
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) July 7, 2016
Sad news coming from Vegas for #UFC200. Let's hope he can make some changes. https://t.co/NZxvRL4lXq
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 7, 2016
Been said for years that "only Jon Jones can beat Jon Jones", unfortunately he continues to prove that.
— Curt Menefee (@curtmenefee) July 7, 2016
@danawhite @lorenzofertitta @ufc I am ready to replace Jon Jones against @dc_mma for the LHW Belt or Main Event. Call me.
— Gegard Mousasi (@mousasi_mma) July 7, 2016
Jon Jones out of UFC 200 main event because of drug test. Nightmare for UFC for this card continues.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 7, 2016
@dc_mma @ufc, I feel for ya. I know it feels to have your opponent get pulled 3 days before the fight due to being dishonorable. #norespect
— Dan Henderson (@danhendo) July 7, 2016
Sad day for MMA π
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) July 7, 2016
I wonder if there's any regret taking him off the card over a press conference now? π€πππ«π«
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) July 7, 2016
Need 2wait 4 details BUT if true it's a real slap in the face to his coaches, team mates, fans & DC. Couldn't deal with someone like that.
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) July 7, 2016
WOW π π #UFC200
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) July 7, 2016
