Jon Jones once again tested positive with traces of the steroid Turinabol in his system.
There have been multiple reports showing trace elements of the long-term oral Turinabol metabolite in Jon Jones’s system. A number of different screenings since the champion’s failed drug test for the same substance in July 2017 have shown traces of the banned substance.
Jones tested positive for the sample collected on Dec 28. An in-competition VADA test conducted in relation to UFC 232 was the most recent one. Additional tests, including the one on fight night, since have come back clean.
There is no proof that Jones used a banned substance again, said Andy Foster, an executive officer for the California State Athletic Commission. As such, Jones cannot be punished for the test results.
Foster contends that it is the same residual amount from the failed drug test for UFC 214 that resulted in a 15-month suspension for Jon Jones.
He further added:
“I spoke with the scientists. They stand by their original statement. Nothing has changed. We’ve already punished Jon Jones for the M3 metabolite, which is a long-term metabolite. There’s no grounds to charge somebody twice for the same violation.”
Jon Jones drug test showed the Turinabol metabolite multiple times between August 2018 and December 2018. The latest test occurred on Dec. 9. As a result, the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) denied Jones a license for his UFC 232 fight with Alexander Gustafsson. Jones could not legally fight in Las Vegas so the event moved to Inglewood, California in the last month to accommodate Jones.
He defeated Gustafsson in the third round to claim the vacant 205-pound belt in their Dec. 29 match. Jon Jones also agreed to additional VADA testing to obtain his fight license in Nevada.
Jones is also due to appear before the NAC for an evidentiary hearing this month. In the past he has denied knowingly taking performance-enhancing drugs several times.
Jones’ fight future hangs in the balance. Jones will defend his belt against Anthony Smith in the UFC 235 headliner on March 2 in Las Vegas.
In order to compete in Vegas, Jones must seek a license from the NAC.
