A spokeperson for the US Anti-Doping Agency confirmed that the interim light heavyweight champion’s “B” sample also tested positive for a banned substance on Friday.
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The non-title match-up was necessitated by the forced withdrawal of Jon Jones courtesy of his failed USADA drug test.
UFC President Dana White on Wednesday night announced at a hurriedly called news conference that Jones (22-1), a former light-heavyweight champion presently ranked as the organization’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, was pulled off the UFC 200 main event, a rematch against rival Daniel Cormier. “I haven’t [talked to him] and I’m not gonna”. White said he doesn’t want to speak to Jones, and he expressed disbelief in Jones’ inability to avoid banned substances, even if he took them inadvertently through nutritional supplements.
There is nothing for us to talk about. I truly believe – I believe this – I’m not the biggest Jon Jones fan right now, but I truly believe he did take a supplement that had this stuff in it and it wasn’t intentional. I truly believe that. You’re 28 years old.
Dana White claimed that “Bones” had tested positive for two banned agents but the substances in question were not revealed by USADA, who insists that it is down to the fighter and his team to disclose that information.
However, nearly ruining the biggest card in UFC history appears to be the final straw for White, who spoke to Jonathan Coachman ahead of the “just for show” UFC 200 weigh-ins on Friday night.
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On Jones’ inner circle being a problem: “The guys that are around him are just as bad – the guys that are supposed to be looking out for him and watching his back”.
