Jon Jones tearfully denied doping allegations ahead of UFC 200, but the interim light heavyweight champion’s “B” sample also tested positive for a banned substance, a U.S. Anti-Doping Agency spokesman told CBSSports.com on Friday.
Jones and his management team had hoped the second test would clear his name, even if it couldn’t return him to the UFC 200 card now that Anderson Silva has replaced him as Daniel Cormier’s opponent Saturday night in Las Vegas. But the positive test means Jones could face up to a two-year suspension from the USADA, and UFC president Dana White doesn’t appear too keen on Jones returning to the octagon at the moment.
White said Thursday that he hadn’t spoken with Jones or watched his press conference, and that held true Friday.
“I haven’t (talked to Jones), and I’m not gonna,” White said on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” via CBSSports.com. “There is nothing for us to talk about … The guy is a professional, and I truly believe — and I’m not the biggest Jon Jones fan right now — but I truly believe that he took a supplement that had this stuff in it and it wasn’t intentional.
“I truly believe that, but at the same time, come on! You’re 28 years old. You’re arguably the greatest talent to step foot in this sport, right? Call USADA and tell them what supplements you’re taking!”
Based on White’s tone, the USADA’s two positive tests and Jones’ steadfast denial, the champ’s once-promising UFC career might have just gone up in smoke.
Thumbnail photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Images
