UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones has been severely criticized by fans and members of the MMA world alike following revelations that he failed a drug test prior to his championship victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 last month in Anaheim, California.

Jon Jones Failed Drug Test News

Dana White, UFC’s president, announced the news on Tuesday. White also denied a TMZ report claiming the UFC has stripped Jones, 30, of his title after his July 29 win. Jones defeated Cormier via third-round knockout. The UFC revealed Jones’ failed a drug test stemmed from an in-competition sample that was collected at his weigh-in on July 28, the day before the fight.

On Wednesday afternoon, Jones’ manager Malki Kawa defended the fighter in an angry Facebook post in which he blasted critics for spreading lies.

“The amount of hate that everyone has towards jon jones with out any due process is beyond me. The messages I keep getting saying to “drop him” or “don’t take up for him” goes to show me how low this society is,” Kawa wrote.

“I stand with bones!

For anyone to think I would “drop” him like Him and I aren’t brothers is stupid.

I know how hard he worked to get back to where he’s at. This is definitely heartbreaking. He def didn’t cheat or use steroids. But I’m with him more now than the night he won the belt…. being there for the good times is what everybody would do. But who’s really there when times get bad?

I hope that you people pick your friends, wives/husbands and close confidants based on real stuff. Not who can celebrate when you’re on top. I’m not sure why this is happening to him again, or how even, but We’ll get to the bottom of it.

To those of you that truly support my brother and I, thank you! To those of you who say “drop him” you’re not doing me any favors by saying that. You’re not my friend nor my family. So a big “fuck you” to you and your “support.””

According to TMZ, Jones tested positive for the anabolic steroid Turninabol. White did not comment on the nature of the banned substance for which the fighter tested positive.

“I always know what to say. I don’t know what to say about this one,” a disappointed White told reporters Tuesday, calling the news “unbelievable.”

“These things never come at a good time. They’re always bad, especially with somebody like Jon Jones. In my opinion, he’s the best to ever do it. That makes it even more unfortunate.”

Cormier released his own statement about the news of Jones’ failed test.

“It’s hard to find words to describe how I’m feeling right now,” Cormier’s statement read. “I’m disappointed to hear the news. It’s very emotional. We, as athletes, are entitled to due process, and I will refrain from saying much more until I know exactly what happened.

“In my mind, on July 29, I competed, and I lost. I thought Jon Jones was the better man that day. I don’t know what to think anymore. I can’t believe we are going through all of this again. We will see what happens next.”

Jones blasted Cormier prior to their bout on July 28 for depicting him as a steroid user, although he also admitted he regretted taking performance-enhancing drugs.

“Daniel is trying to paint me as a steroid user. That’s his biggest ammo,” Jones told ESPN before the fight. “He can’t say anything about my actual talent or skills.

“Out of all the things I’ve done bad, the thing I despise most [is PED use]. … Steroids is something I’ve never done. And I don’t want people chalking up a misunderstanding or a tainted supplement to me being a steroid user. It’s one of the most insulting things you can do to a guy who’s accomplished the things I’ve accomplished.”

Jones has been provisionally suspended by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and faces a possible four-year ban for his failed test, which comes 11 months after he was punished for an estrogen blocker ahead of a matchup against Cormier at UFC 200. Jones was stripped of his title following that instance. The UFC also stripped him of his title in 2015 after he was arrested on hit-and-run charges.

Under the UFC’s anti-doping program, multiple offenders face can see their suspensions doubled in length.

“If he ends up getting two or three [years], it might be the end of his career,” White said Tuesday. “How old is Jon now? 30? And he’d be 33, 34 trying to make a comeback again? You look at what could have been and what he could’ve done — it’s sad.”

Jones maintains the right to request that his “B” sample be tested to confirm the failed test. He also holds due process rights, which include the right to appeal his failed test to the California State Athletic Commission.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 03:  Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones waits in a timeout as he defends his title against Daniel Cormier 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)

Dana White on Monday revealed the latest development regarding a possible matchup between MMA fighters Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. 

Dana White Says Jon Jones Could Fight Daniel Cormier at UFC 214

The UFC president told ESPN.com that should former light heavyweight champion Jones (22-1) be prepared to fight by UFC 214 on July 29, he could face off against defending champion Daniel Cormier at the highly anticipated event in Anaheim, California, if Jones is interested, of course.

Jones, 29, is serving a one-year suspension for a failed drug test, a ban which ends the first week of July.

If Jones needs more time or wants a practice fight first, White said, 38-year-old Cormier (19-1) could fight British contender Jimi Manuwa (17-2), potentially at UFC 213 on July 8 in Las Vegas.

“Cormier is available to fight on July 8, but that time frame doesn’t work for Jon Jones,” White said. “Cormier already told me he’s willing to fight either Jones or Manuwa.

“If Jon Jones is ready to fight [by UFC 214] on July 29, we’ll see the Jones versus Cormier rematch, finally.”

Jones’ agents have not yet commented.

The UFC took Jones’ 205-pound championship belt away in 2015 for disciplinary reasons. Earlier that year, Jones had defended his title an eighth time, and beat Cormier via unanimous decision at UFC 182.

A rematch between the two was originally set to be held at UFC 197 in April 2016, but Cormier was forced to withdraw because of a knee injury. Another Cormier vs. Jones rematch was scheduled to headline UFC 200 last July in Vegas, but the latter fighter was pulled from the event due to his failed drug test.

Jone received the suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after testing positive for estrogen blockers he later said came from an unmarked sexual enhancement pill.

Though Jones’ situation remains uncertain, Cormier and Manuwa have recently exchanged verbal jabs and taunts on social media to promote a possible fight.

Cormier tweeted at Manuwa on Monday, “Let’s go! I wanna fight you! Jones needs to get his sea legs back. Where’s the contract. This [is] light work.”

“Jimi wants Cormier,” White said. “They got into it at UFC 210 [earlier this month] and Jimi told me he’s never been talked to like that before. We’ll see how this plays out.”

LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 03:  Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones waits in a timeout as he defends his title against Daniel Cormier 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)

A much-anticipated UFC light heavyweight title rematch has been scheduled.

Daniel Cormier Vs. Anthony Johnson Rematch Set For UFC 206 In Toronto

Champion Daniel Cormier will defend his title against Anthony “Rumble” Johnson at UFC 206 at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre on Dec. 10. The fight was announced on Wednesday’s edition of the FS1 program UFC Tonight.

The bout is a rematch of UFC 187’s main event. In that 2015 fight in Las Vegas, Cormier defeated Johnson in the third round by rear-naked choke to capture the title vacated when Jon Jones was suspended by the UFC following his arrest on hit-and-run charges in New Mexico.

Cormier (18-1) has since won a split decision over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192 and a unanimous decision in a non-title match against Anderson Silva at UFC 200. Silva was a late replacement for Jones, who was pulled from the fight during that week due to a potential USADA (drug) violation.

Johnson (22-5), meanwhile, has had a fantastic run himself, with 12 wins in 13 fights since improving to light heavyweight back in 2012. His loss to Cormier is his only stain during that stretch. Since that defeat, Johnson is 3-0, all via knockout, and his most recent victory comes over Glover Teixeira in 13 seconds at UFC 202.

“The city of Toronto is still buzzing after the Blue Jays’ walk-off home run last night,” Cormier said. “The only thing more exciting than that is that I am defending the undisputed UFC light heavyweight title in the Six on December 10 at UFC 206, only on pay-per-view. Down will go Rumble … again.”

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Mixed martial artist Daniel Cormier poses on the scale during his weigh-in for UFC 200 at T-Mobile Arena on July 8, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cormier will meet Anderson Silva in a non-title light heavyweight bout on July 9 at T-Mobile Arena. Silva replaces Jon Jones who was pulled from a light heavyweight title fight against Cormier due to a potential violation of the UFC’s anti-doping policy. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

With the world of mixed martial arts still reeling from the announcement that Jon “Bones” Jones was pulled out of UFC 200 for a possible banned substance, UFC President Dana White was in desperate need of stability.

White was granted that wish when UFC veteran and MMA legend Anderson Silva (33-7-1) agreed to face light heavyweight title-holder Daniel Cormier (17-1) , on two days notice, as a replacement for Jones.

Anderson Silva Answers Call To Replace Jon ‘Bones’ Jones At UFC 200

The bout will be fought at 205 pounds (light heavyweight standard), for three rounds and no titles will be at stake.

“I think it’s an interesting, fun fight. Anderson Silva is undefeated at 205,” White told reporters after Thursday’s UFC Fight Night. “And not just undefeated, but devastatingly undefeated. Every time he’s moved up to 205 he’s looked better than he did at 185.”

Silva has fought three times at 205, knocking out James Irvin (2008), Forrest Griffin (2009) and Stephan Bonnar (2012), all in the first round.

SILVA KOs GRIFFIN IN FIRST ROUND

“I just felt really bad for Daniel, you know,” White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. “This is a big fight, financially and every other way. So yea I wanted to keep him a fight and I’ve been working since the fight (with Jones) fell out.”

Silva, 41, had to withdraw from a UFC 198 fight on May 10, just four days before the event due to abdominal pain, prompting surgery to remove the Brazilian’s gall bladder.

White acknowledged that Silva’s health was a concern, ‘Spider’ reassured the UFC’s top dog that he was healthy enough to get back in the cage.

Two other fighters were considered: Gegard Mousasi, who is already scheduled to fight Thiago Sanchez at UFC 200, and Dan Henderson, for whom White says he has “other plans” in the works.

Silva accepted the fight one day before weigh ins and according to the UFC veteran, he had not been training to fight anyone.

“I haven’t trained in a few months,” Silva said through a translator. “But I think I’m in good enough condition to go in there and put on a good fight.”

One of the most decorated fighters in the history of MMA, Silva is a former middleweight champion whom held the title for a record 2,457 which included 16 consecutive wins and 10 title defenses.

His age has shown however in the last few years.

WEIDMAN VS> SILVA I

Silva’s last bout came in February, a decision loss to now-Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping.

Coincidentally, in Silva’s previous fight with Nick Diaz at UFC 183 in Jan. 2015, after initially earning a unanimous decision victory over Diaz, the bout was ruled a no contest after he tested positive for two anabolic steroids and Diaz results revealed traces of marijuana.

And now the 6-foot-2, 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will replace another UFC legend due to a possible failed test for performance enhancers.

For Cormier, Silva’s recent stumble doesn’t matter.

“I am honored to share the Octagon with the one of the greatest fighters of all time,” Cormier said in a statement to mmafighting.com.

“This is a very tough fight for me, and I have to fight smart and to do my best in order to win this fight. Thank you Anderson for stepping up, and thanks to Dana White and the UFC for making this happen. Now let’s go do this.”

Silva’s last win came win came over Stephan Bonner via TKO at UFC 153 in Oct. 2012. Since, he is winless in four fights, a streak started when Chris Weidman took Silva’s middleweight title from him with a shocking, second round knockout.

The pair’s rematch a year later has become infamous on the internet. Silva lost the bout after breaking his leg when Weidman checked a leg kick. (If you’re into gruesome injuries, video below)

WARNING!!! GRAPHIC VIDEO: SILVA BREAKS LEG

Despite not having the UFC Light Heavyweight Title on the line, UFC 200 still has plenty of juice. White promoted the Miesha Tate vs. Amanda Nunes female bantamweight title bout to the headliner. Brock Lesnar and Mark Hunt will square off in the co-headliner in the heavyweight division.

The shortened, three-round format can be attributed to Silva’s lack of training . But for White, when Anderson Silva says he wants to fight, you let him fight.

“Anderson is giving Daniel the opportunity to fight, to make money and to perform on UFC 200,” White said. “So if Anderson wants three rounds, if Anderson wants two rounds, he’ll get it.”

With its biggest event of the year looming Saturday, this is the perfect time to get your hands on some UFC gear so you can look like a pro at your local watch party.

We at uGear have scoured the internet to find the best quality UFC apparel that will ship quick and not break the bank.

After being stripped of the title, Jon “Bones” Jones has been eager to realize an opportunity to retake what he feels belongs to him. After opponent, Daniel Cormier, injury his leg in training the fight was postponed, but the time has come.

Saturday the two will face off for the second time and “Bones” fans need a custom snapback to commemorate the occasion.

The REEBOK JON “BONES” JONES UFC SCRIPT SNAPBACK says it all.

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AT $27.99 it’s affordable. But hurry so you can get it in time for UFC 200. Get it here

For all the Daniel Cormier Fans, here’s a snapback for you too!

REEBOK BLACK CONOR MCGREGOR UFC 194 FLEX

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MIESHA TATE BLACK UFC SIEGE SLIM FIT T-SHIRT

Ladies are just as avid fight fans as their male counterparts and the women’s division has vaulted the UFC to new heights in recent years. So it is only natural we showcase some ladies apparel.

Miesha Tate is one of the women responsible for the surge in the women’s division and she will defend her women’s bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes Saturday at UFC 200.

Support “Cupcake” with the UFC Siege Slim Fit Tee. The black color, coupled with the slender fit and complimented by the camo lettering across the front, make this more than your lay-around t-shirt.

You can represent Tate at the gym, on a run, or on fight night. At $24.99 this v-neck is rushing off the racks so get it before they are all out of stock. Get It Here

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier are set to headline UFC 200 on July 9, UFC president Dana White announced Wednesday.

Jon Jones And Daniel Cormier To Headline UFC 200

Jones defeated Ovince Saint Preux by a unanimous decision at UFC 197 on Sunday, in what was Jones’s first UFC fight in 15 months. Jones’ previous bout was in January 2015 against Cormier, whom he defeated to earn his eighth consecutive title defense in the light heavyweight division.

Last April, Jones was arrested on a felony hit-and-run charge, which caused him to be stripped of his title. Cormier then claimed the title in Jones’ absence after defeating Anthony Johnson last May at UFC 187.

UFC 200 was originally supposed to be headlined by Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, but the UFC decided to pull the fight from the event after McGregor failed to show up to a press conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnAZ7_cUZ90

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)