Jon Jones suspended; Commission reveals drug test results
Jon Jones has been temporarily suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission as a result of a positive drug test administered by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) ahead of his previously scheduled bout at UFC 200.
The Nevada Commission voted unanimously on Monday to suspend Jones pending a full hearing at a later date, most likely in late summer 2016.
According to the notes from the commission, Jones tested positive for hydroxy-clomiphene, which is an anti-estrogen drug listed on the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) banned substances list.
Jones also allegedly tested positive for a Letrozole metabolite, classified as an Aromatase inhibitor, another banned substance. Aromatase inhibitors are also classified as estrogen blockers, typically used for breast cancer patients.
Both drugs are listed on the WADA banned substances list as "hormone and metabolic modulators" and are not allowed at any time in or out of competition.
Anti-estrogen drugs are typically used in doping to counteract the effects of another illegal substance such as steroids. Steroids or other similar substances that introduce extra testosterone in the human body, which then produces additional estrogen as a natural result. Additional estrogen can result in fat retention or potentially lead to gynecomastia, which is breast growth in men.
According to the Nevada Commission, Jones only tested positive for the two anti-estrogen drugs but both are deemed illegal at all times by WADA.
Jones tested positive following a sample given to USADA on June 16, which then resulted in the UFC pulling him from the previously scheduled bout against Daniel Cormier on July 9. Following the positive result from his 'A' sample, Jones requested that the 'B' sample was also tested, but the results came back the same according to USADA.
Jones retained attorney Howard Jacobs to represent him in the matter. Jacobs is well known for representing numerous athletes in doping cases previously including Olympian Marion Jones and cyclist Floyd Landis. Jacobs has also represented numerous MMA fighters in similar cases including former lightweight champion Sean Sherk as well as welterweight Tim Means.
Jones will not be allowed to compete in any sanctioned bouts under the temporary suspension as he awaits a full hearing in Nevada at a later date. Commissioners mentioned hearings in August or September as potential landing spots, but no specific date was determined as of yet.
