UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been fined $25,000 by the UFC for violating the terms of the Athlete Code of Conduct policy. The organization made the news official with a posting on their website Saturday.
“The UFC announced today that it has fined light heavyweight champion Jon Jones $25,000 for violating the organization’s Athlete Code of Conduct policy,” the statement read. “Jones tested positive for cocaine during an out-of-competition drug test conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Dec. 4, 2014. The $25,000 will be donated to a substance abuse prevention program.
“The UFC came to this decision after reviewing the facts surrounding the issue, and after receiving confirmation from the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) that Jones passed all required drug tests following his bout at UFC 182 on Jan. 3.”
While Jones defended his title successfully against Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 on January 3rd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, he tested positive for cocaine metabolites during an out-of-competition test on Dec. 4. While the NAC may levy punishments and fines for in-competition use of that drug, their own regulations do not directly allow for punitive action with respect to out-of-competition positive tests.
The news of Jones’ positive test was revealed on Jan. 5. MMA Fighting confirmed at that time Jones had violated the terms of the Athlete Code of Conduct. However, it was not specified if UFC intended to take any further steps as a consequence.
If he chooses, Jones has the right to appeal the decision under third-party arbitration.