Jon Jones Is Eligible To Return To The UFC At The End Of October

Jon Jones’ return to the UFC is slated to happen before the end of 2018. Jones hasn’t appeared in the octagon since his win over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 in July of 2017, which ended in him getting his hand raised for knocking out his opponent. However, Jones was suspended soon after the fight because he tested positive for anabolic steroid Turinabol, leading to his victory getting deemed a no contest.

Since then, Jones has been away from the octagon, with no end his sight to the suspension he received from the United States Anti-Doping Agency. But on Wednesday night, Jones received some good news, as his return to the UFC is suddenly right around the corner.

Jones has retroactively been given an 15-month suspension dating back to the start of his suspension. This means Jones has a return date: Oct. 28, 2018.

Jones’ suspension coming to an end on Oct. 28 means that, if all goes right, he can compete on Nov. 3 at UFC 230 in Madison Square Garden. This is, obviously, gigantic news for the UFC. Jones is a gigantic draw and one of the best fighters ever, and getting him back gives Dana White and co. the opportunity to get him back into the main event almost immediately if they determine that’s the best course of action.

Now that he’s back, MMA fans will assuredly start wondering about some potential fights, like the showdown with Brock Lesnar that was teased before his suspension, or perhaps a third chapter in his rivalry with Cormier, this time with the UFC Heavyweight Championship on the line.

UPDATE: Dana White has shot down the idea that Jones would be on the MSG card, since the timing would work out, but expects him back early next year.