Jon Jones set for TWO-YEAR ban after B-sample comes back positive

JON Jones is staring a TWO-YEAR ban in the face following his failed drug test ahead of UFC 200.

Jones was due to face bitter rival Daniel Cormier in a hotly-anticipated title rematch in Las Vegas.

But the former undisputed king and pound-for-pound star was sensationally pulled from the July 9 main event after USADA notified the UFC and Jones of a ‘potential anti-doping violation’ stemming from an out-of-competition test back in June.

Accompanied by his PR representative Denise White and manager Malki Kawa, an emotional Jones held a hastily-arranged press conference to apologise for the failed test and to deny knowingly taking a performance-enhancing substance.

Jones’ team requested that his B-sample be tested, and news has come back confirming the B-sample also tested positive, with USADA rep Ryan Madden relaying the fact to ESPN today, saying: “The B sample that was requested has confirmed the findings of the A sample.”

Neither USADA nor Jones have specified the offending substances, with the anti-doping agency’s guidelines stating that the information would have be released by Jones.

Jones had told reporters that the thought of being labelled as a drugs cheat would be unthinkable for him, saying: “The whole thing sucks. Being labeled as someone who would cheat hurts more than anything else I’ve ever been through in my career.”

Explaining the failed test, Jones told the press conference: “They found something in one of my samples. I don’t even know how to pronounce it. I’ve been taking the same supplements the majority of my career.

“I’ve been so outspoken about being against any type of performance enhancers. To this day, I’m extremely against performance enhancers.”

But following the news of his equally-tainted B-sample, Jones looks set for a minimum suspension of TWO YEARS under the UFC / USADA Anti-Doping Policy.

UFC ANTI-DOPING PENALTIES

‘Non-specified substances’
As defined by the WADA code: Anabolic steroids, growth hormones, peptides, blood doping drugs and methods

• First offence: Two years (with possibility of four years for ‘aggravating circumstances’)
• Second offence: Double the sanction for the first offence
• Third offence: Double the sanction for the second offence

‘Specified substances’
As defined by the WADA code: Marijuana, cocaine, other stimulants and glucocorticosteroids (tested for in-competition only):

• First offence: One year (with possibility of two additional years for ‘aggravating circumstances’
• Second offence: Double the sanction for the first offence
• Third offence: Double the sanction for the second offence

Anti-doping violation during or leading up to a bout will result in disqualification of result and forfeiture of title, ranking and purse or other compensation.

Any purse, compensation or fine will be put toward the cost of UFC anti-doping programme and/or anti-doping research.