UFC fines Jon Jones $25,000 for code of conduct violation
The UFC announced Saturday in a brief statement that it has fined light heavyweight champion Jon Jones $25,000 for his failed out-of-competition drug test on Dec. 4. The promotion also announced it had been assured by the Nevada Athletic Commission that Jones had passed all of his post-fight drug tests.
Jones defeated Daniel Cormier on Jan. 3 in the main event of UFC 182 at the MGM Grand Garden to retain his championship.
Less than 72 hours after the fight, Jones released a statement to Yahoo Sports in which he announced his failed test and that he'd enter a drug treatment facility in New Mexico. However, his mother, Camille, told a Binghamton, N.Y., television station that he stayed only one day in the rehabilitation center.
UFC president Dana White said there is more to that but he didn't want to speak for Jones. He said Jones was going to speak publicly in the near future and would explain his brief stay at the treatment center.
The news of his positive test for cocaine on Dec. 4 created a firestorm of controversy. Because it was an out-of-competition test, neither the UFC nor the Nevada commission could prevent him from fighting. Nevada uses the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list and cocaine is prevented only in-competition, which is regarded as 12 hours prior to the event until the event's completion.
Jones passed random performance-enhancing drug tests given to him on Dec. 4 and Dec. 18, as well as his standard post-fight drug test that also included a screen for drugs of abuse.
"The UFC announced today that it has fined light heavyweight champion Jon Jones $25,000 for violating the organization’s Athlete Code of Conduct policy. Jones tested positive for cocaine during an out-of-competition drug test conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Dec. 4, 2014. The $25,000 will be donated to a substance abuse prevention program.
The UFC came to this decision after reviewing the facts surrounding the issue, and after receiving confirmation from the Nevada Athletic Commission that Jones passed all required drug tests following his bout at UFC 182 on Jan. 3."
The Jones-Cormier bout was named Fight of the Night and each man was awarded a $50,000 bonus. It is believed Jones was able to keep that bonus, though not confirmed by UFC officials.
