Interim UFC Champion Jon Jones Hit with One-Year USADA Suspension for Failed Drug Test

The United States Anti-Doping Agency on Monday hit interim Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight titleholder Jon Jones with a one-year suspension in response to a failed drug test on June 16. ESPN was first to report the suspension.

Jones received a provisional suspension in July after he tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole, substances that are banned by the USADA. The positive test resulted in Jones being pulled from a scheduled rematch with Daniel Cormier in the UFC 200 main event on July 9 in Las Vegas. He challenged the findings, as his attorney argued that the positive test was the result of a sexual enhancement pill Jones had received from a teammate. An independent panel from McLaren Global Sports Solutions found Jones at fault and levied the one-year suspension. The decision was detailed in a 29-page report that was released to the public.

Almost universally recognized as the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighter, Jones’ mixed martial arts career has been interrupted by a series of missteps away from the cage. He tested positive for cocaine in January 2015 and was involved in a hit-and-run accident three months later that led to his being stripped of the undisputed UFC light heavyweight championship. Jones owns a 22-1 record but has never been legitimately defeated inside the Octagon, as his lone loss was the result of a disqualification against Matt Hamill at “The Ultimate Fighter 10” Finale in 2010.

Jones’ suspension will run through July 6, 2017. He still faces possible disciplinary action from the Nevada Athletic Commission.