3 Takeaways from Jon Jones' Hugely Reduced 15-Month UFC Suspension

When Jon Jones tested positive for banned substances after his fight against Daniel Cormier, the last thing that it was, was unexpected.

Jones has not stayed away from controversy for most of his career and found himself immersed in it, yet again. After having been stripped of the UFC title on two previous occasions, one of which was due to a doping violation, this 3rd time came attached with huge possible consequences.

Jones was facing 4 years away from the Octagon possibly, and this would mean that he would not be able to return for a large period. Even for a fighter with the calibre, fame, and history of Jones, this could possibly have an immensely negative effect on his career.

The third violation and repeated problems with drugs had driven a huge part of Jones' fanbase away from him, as they were no longer willing to put their faith in the superstar.

So, when the hearing came, while his fans waited with bated breath, there was an equally large number among Mixed Martial Arts fans, who wanted to see Jones get his just desserts.

What happened left everyone astounded, some with shock, and others pleasantly surprised. He was given the reduced suspension of only 15 months away from the Octagon, which was a bigger reduction from the possible 4-year term than anyone had thought possible.

In this article, we will talk about three things which we learnt from the incident.

#1. Jon Jones is revealing information to the USADA:

The current underground doping ring in and around Mixed Martial Arts has every right to be terrified at the moment.

Jon Jones decided that he was willing to do anything to help restart his career, and get it back on track. So Jones cut a deal with the UFC which would legitimately allow him to make sure that his return to the Octagon was not hampered, while he would reveal information he has about Doping in MMA to the USADA.

This would allow them to root out other athletes who were or are involved with illegal substances, as well as possible suppliers.

#2. Unwilling user of illegal substances:

During the hearing, Jones revealed that he had taken supplements which were legal, but possessed illegal substances which had not been advertised on the products.

Tests on the supplements confirmed this, and his own test results were consistent with someone who has unknowingly consumed the substance.

However, as Daniel Cormier commented, this sounded much like Jones was saying, "I’m not gonna have to sit up there and go, ‘I’m serious this time, guys. I promise I wasn’t really trying to cheat.’".

His previous history with doping cannot be forgotten, especially in the light of the fact that he revealed he did cocaine after UFC 214. This just makes Jones' statement of having turned his life around seem hollow.

#3. The 15-Month Suspension:

Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones Press Conference

The final takeaway from the decision was the fact that Jon Jones has only been sidelined from action for 15 months.

As a fighter who is so high profile, it is obvious that the UFC would like to have him back in their promotion as soon as possible, as this has given rise to discussion among fans that UFC and USADA had a mutual understanding about the matter.

While it is not clear if this is indeed the case, the fact remains that Jones' suspension having 30-months knocked off the top heading into the hearing simply because he agreed to cooperate is suspicious, to say the least.

Attached with the fact that other fighters, who might not have been so high profile getting a longer suspension, and in the case of Tom Lawlor, getting cut from UFC altogether with 2 months of his suspension to go, the short suspension has cast a shadow on Jones' return and the deal as well.

For Lawlor it was his first offence, while Jones has faced this situation multiple times before.

Whatever be the case, Jones is set to come back to the company to fight early next year.