Jon Jones Banned From UFC For One Year, Fined $205K For Failed Drug Test

Jon “Bones” Jones has been banned from UFC competition for one year and fined $205,000 for failing a drug test.

Jon Jones UFC license revocation news

The 30-year-old two-time light heavyweight champion appeared on Tuesday before the California State Athletic Commission, which voted to revoke Jones’ license. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound fighter submitted the drug test in July. He tested positive for metabolites of the anabolic steroid turinabol.

Jones, alongside his attorney Howard Jacobs, pled innocent at the hearing, claiming he had “no clue” how the banned substance entered his system.

According to CSAC executive director Andy Foster, Jones’ license was revoked on Aug. 28, 2017. Per California statutes, Jones is not eligible to apply for a license for one year. The license revocation only applies to the state of California, for now.

“Mr. Jones, I want to see you fighting as soon as possible,” CSAC chair John Cavelli said. “I hope you believe me. I hope you’re listening to some of the things I’ve told you and the other commissioners. Think about the people around you and the things you’re still doing. You are a unique, outstanding athlete. We want to see you in the cage as soon as possible. Come back to us.”

This is not the first time Jones has had issues outside the octagon. He served a one-year suspension in 2016 after testing positive for two banned anti-estrogenic agents. He still faces potential sanctions from the United States Anti-Doping Agency, which administered his failed test. Under USADA regulations, Jones faces a maximum suspension of four years.

Jones thanked the CSAC on Twitter following the hearing:

Jones argued the evidence suggests he did not intentionally cheat. The failed drug test was administered just one day before his light heavyweight title fight against Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 on July 29.

Among Jones’ previous scandals are a felony hit-and-run charge in 2015, a positive cocaine test in 2014 and the aforementioned 2016 one-year suspension.

One CSAC member noted Jones’ 2012 DUI incident at Tuesday’s hearing. She also prompted Jones to admit that his management team signed several documents, including one that falsely stated he had reviewed mandatory USADA instructional materials.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 03: Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones punches at Daniel Comier during the UFC 182 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 3, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones retained his title by unanimous decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)