Jon Jones Failed Drug Test Update, Jones Camp Comments

As reported Tuesday, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones failed a drug test for Turinabol, an anabolic steroid, prior to his UFC 214 victory over Daniel Cormier and could be suspended for four years. Jones called out Brock Lesnar after UFC 214 and the potential match has been talked about a lot since, but obviously that seems like it might be out the window.

Jon Jones’ camp released a statement to MMAFighting.com:

“We are all at a complete loss for words right now. Jon, his trainers, his nutritionists and his entire camp have worked tirelessly and meticulously the past 12 months to avoid this exact situation. We are having the samples tested again to determine the validity or source of contamination. Jon is crushed by this news and we are doing whatever we can as a team, to support him.”

Daniel Cormier, who lost to Jones at UFC 214, also released a statement to MMAFighting:

“It’s hard to find words to describe how I’m feeling right now. I’m disappointed to hear the news. It’s very emotional. We as athletes are entitled to due process, and I will refrain from saying much more until I know exactly what happened. In my mind, on July 29, I competed and I lost. I thought Jon Jones was the better man that day. I don’t know what to think anymore. I can’t believe we are going through all of this again. We will see what happens next. Thank you to all my fans who have supported me during this dark time. I love you all very much.”

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which does the testing, released a statement urging to let due process play out:

“We can’t comment on an on-going case, but importantly all athletes under the UFC anti-doping program are innocent unless and until the established process determines otherwise,” a USADA spokesperson said in a statement. “As part of this process, Mr. Jones is given the opportunity to be heard, confront and cross examine the evidence and have the ultimate decision of whether he violated the rules or not be decided by independent judges. It’s only fair to let due process occur before drawing any conclusions about Mr. Jones.”