Current interim UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has received a “temporary suspension” after testing positive for two estrogen blockers.
Steven Marrocco of MMAjunkie reported the suspension Monday, citing an announcement by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Jones had been due to face UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 200 on the headline fight in Las Vegas.
MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani previously reported the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) flagged Jones following a test June 16.
The UFC made an official statement regarding Jones being pulled from the bill at the time, per ESPN.com’s Arash Markazi:
The fighter appeared to be on the brink of greatness after difficulties in his private life, triggering a one-year ban stemming from a felony hit-and-run charge.
Jones was stripped of the light heavyweight strap at the time, becoming the first combatant to lose his title due to disciplinary reasons.
The Associated Press (via the Guardian) relayed UFC President Dana White‘s comments following the news of Jones’ potential violation in July, saying: “He’s got the chance to prove himself innocent before being called guilty. But if it’s true, obviously super disappointing.”
Jones will have to wait to see if further sanctions follow, but his career is once again on hold due to his own actions.
White openly backed Jones’ return to the Octagon after his previous suspension, and the Rochester, New York, born fighter could now lose $30 million in earnings as a result of his latest indiscretion, per the UFC’s Jon Anik (via Adam Guillen Jr. of MMA Mania).
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com