Former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones could return to the UFC as early as next month after he was given a 15-month suspension in his USADA case by an independent arbitrator.
Jones tested positive for a steroid metabolite last summer in the wake of his head kick knockout victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214.
The result was ultimately overturned to a no contest by the California State Athletic Commission who then revoked Jones’ MMA license and fined him $205,000 in February.
However, according to MMAFighting, Jones was given a 15-month retroactive suspension in his USADA case by an independent arbitrator on Wednesday which means that the suspension is backdated to when the sample was collected on July 28, 2017, meaning Jones will be eligible to fight again as early as October 28th.
In order to have his license reinstated, Jones will be ordered to complete three months of community service, pay the previously ordered $205,000 fine and finish out the remainder of the 15-month sanction.
UFC 230 is slated for Madison Square Garden in New York, Jones’ home state, on November 3rd and the card is currently without a headline fight despite the inclusion of Ronaldo Souza, David Branch, Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier.
However, according to ESPN combat journalists Brett Okamoto and Ariel Helwani, UFC President Dana White does not look to have Jones in line to fight on the bill.
Comment from Dana White on Jon Jones: pic.twitter.com/WQXET01jYy
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 20, 2018
BREAKING: Jon Jones (@JonnyBones) suspended 15 months by USADA, for his failed drug test prior to UFC 214. Arbitrator rules there was "no intention" by Jones to cheat, even though a source for the substance was never confirmed. Eligible to return Oct. 28, as far as USADA goes.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 19, 2018
It has meant the world to me and always will. But now is the time to shift the focus front and center to the road ahead. Greatness is what I’m chasing and the path to reclaiming my throne is now officially open. Comeback Season begins now
— BONY (@JonnyBones) September 20, 2018
Jon Jones isn’t scheduled and currently isn’t in the plans to compete on the Nov. 3 card at MSG, according to multiple sources.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 20, 2018
Following USADA's official ruling on Jon Jones, @dc_mma speaks on the possibility of DC vs Jones 3. pic.twitter.com/MVQSOY83dg
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) September 20, 2018
