For those who were hoping a clean B sample of Jon Jones’ June 16 drug test would exonerate him, that dream is over. USADA announced Friday in a press release that the B sample also came back positive for a banned substance.
“I can confirm that Mr. Jones’ B sample results have been reported by the laboratory, and that the results confirm the findings of the A sample,” USADA spokesperson Ryan Madden said in a statement to Fox Sports.
Jones’ failed test caused the cancellation of his Light Heavyweight Championship bout set to headline UFC 200, much to the dismay of UFC President Dana White. Now it may result in a two-year suspension, although there is some precedent for suspensions being shortened or even eliminated.
What substances Jones tested positive for is still unknown, and as MMAFighting reports, USADA cannot reveal that information unless Jones or his team do so first. White has stated that Jones’ failed test was due to two banned agents.
At his press conference Thursday, Jones apologized and said he has “no clue” what the substance is that caused his positive result, “I don’t even know how to pronounce it.”
UFC 200 will now be co-headlined by a Women’s Bantamweight Championship match between Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes and Brock Lesnar’s return match against Mark Hunt. Daniel Cormier has a new opponent following Jones’ removal. He will be facing Anderson Silva on short notice in a three-round, non-title fight.