Jon Jones is understood to have failed a doping test 2 days ahead of UFC 200, the biggest event in UFC history. Mark Hunt and Brock Lesnar now to main event status
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has reportedly notified the UFC that Jon Jones has failed a drug test. The substance he’s tested positive for has not been disclosed.
Jones, the interim light heavyweight champion has been withdrawn from UFC 200 and no substitute has been named to fight Cormier
“This sucks, I don’t know what to say,” UFC President Dana White said.
“It sucks. It’s unfortunate. These type of things are going to happen. It could have been a lot worse. Jones might get two years for this.”
The main event for UFC 200 is Brock Lesnar vs Mark Hunt. pic.twitter.com/RQU5ZcBRl9
— #UFCFightWeek (@ufc) July 7, 2016
White has flagged the possibility that a replacement could be found for Cormier at UFC 200.
“We’ll have to see who wants the fight, who steps forward” White said
“Realistically how good a fight it would be. Rather than having Cormier fighting someone who absolutely, positively should not be fighting him I would rather he not fight.”
Cormier made known his desire to remain on the card and fight another opponent, even in a higher weight division.
“I’m very disappointed” he said.
“I worked really hard for this.”
Jones career has been filled with controversy.
He was first responsibly for the cancellation of UFC 151 after refusing to fight Chael Sonnen in an act described by White at the time as “one of hte most selfish, disgusting decisions that doesn’t just affect you”.
Jones also tested positive for cocaine before his last bout with Cormier at UFC 182 and also involved in a hit-and-run incident that threatened to end his career.
Following Jones’ reported positive test, it was announced Hunt and Lesnar would fight a three-round main event bout.
“I feel f***ing awesome,” Lesnar said at the pre-fight press conference. “Obviously I’m here to win a fight. It’s fighting, anything can happen. I’m prepared for whatever. I don’t think it’s going to define me.
“This is exciting. I’m on the card of UFC 200.”7
