UFC’s Jon Jones Can Return To Fighting As Early As Next Month

You might remember Jon Jones' second failed drug test that caused another suspension to the former light heavyweight champion.

After defeating current light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, Lafayette's own Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, Jones tested positive for a steroid metabolite. This was his second doping offense.

The USADA announced Wednesday (9/19) that they're handing down a 15 month suspension to Jones. The suspension technically started after the positive test. Therefore, Jones' suspension will be over on October 28th.

Should the UFC decide to book his comeback, he could essentially fight on the UFC 230 card on November 3rd. That card also features Lafayette's own Dustin Poirier vs. Nate Diaz.

"It's difficult to express myself at this moment, but I can definitely say my heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation," Jones said in a statement posted on his social media accounts. "I want to thank all of you who have stood by me during the toughest stretch of my life. It has meant the world to me and always will. But now is the time to shift the focus front and center to the road ahead. Greatness is what I'm chasing and the path to reclaiming my throne is now officially open. Comeback Season begins now."

Jones could have been suspended for up to four years for his second failed drug test. However, arbitrator Richard H. McLaren took a look at Jones' degree of fault. Jones claimed that he wasn't aware that he took any illegal substance. He passed several drug tests leading up to his fight with Cormier. This was taken into account to pass down the 15 month suspension.

The California State Athletic Commission agreed to the 15 month suspension, but said that Jones still had to pay a $205,000 fine.