USADA have released a statement regarding Jon Jones' potential anti-doping violation that saw him pulled from the UFC 200 main event.
Jones was due to clash with foe Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight championship on Saturday night, put was last night informed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency last night that he tested positive for a banned substance on June 16.
A statement released by the Anti-Doping Agency read:
“Given that Mr. Jones has spoken publicly about the issue, I can confirm that he has been notified of a potential anti-doping policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition test on June 16. Mr. Jones’ B-sample is currently being analyzed by the independent WADA-accredited laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah, and we have requested that the laboratory report those results to us as soon as possible. While at this time we are not going to provide any further specifics of the case, I can tell you that Mr. Jones will be provided full due process under the rules.”
“I can also confirm that USADA has been in communication with the Nevada State Athletic Commission regarding Mr. Jones’ potential violation and that we are working to ensure that the Commission has the necessary information to fully adjudicate this matter in accordance with its rules.”
While Jones denied knowingly taking any substances at a press conference earlier in the day, Dana White confirmed that the interim light heavyweight champion tested positive for 2 banned substances.
Dana said he tested positive for 2 things
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) July 7, 2016
UFC President Dana White confirmed that Daniel Cormier will still fight at UFC 200, but an opponent and whether or he will defend his title remains to be seen. However, White confirmed middleweight champion, Michael Bisping, won't be the man to face Cormier.
.@danawhite: Daniel Cormier will fight someone this weekend at #UFC200. #TheHerdhttps://t.co/LXyPzS1e7E
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) July 7, 2016
Dana White: Cormier will fight this weekend.
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) July 7, 2016
White: Hopefully later today we'll know who Cormier will fight.
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) July 7, 2016
Jones' camp are reportedly confident that a b-sample will come back clean, with USADA revealing they are currently being analysed - but Dana White doesn't appear to be too confident that will happen.
The Jon Jones camp understands the chances of the B sample coming back clean are slim.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 7, 2016
White on Jones' B sample: It would be hitting the lottery for that to come up negative.
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) July 7, 2016
