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What’s the story?
Former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has announced his return to MMA training as he prepares to begin the appeal process following a failed drugs test in July.
The former pound-for-pound King of MMA took to his personal Instagram account to announce his return to training. Previously, Jones had been out of action since July 28th when he tested positive for the banned substance Turinabol following an impressive victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214.
In case you didn’t know…
Jones' failed test at UFC 214 was the third of his career and the second for a performance-enhancing drug violation. However, Jones has maintained his innocence, in this case, claiming that he would never knowingly take steroids.
The match against Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 was actually a comeback fight for Jones after he served a year-long suspension for a failed drugs test before UFC 200 in 2016. This may well be a determining factor when Jones' appeal gets processed. The maximum sentence, in this case, could be a four-year ban from the sport, which, at 30 years of age, would effectively end Jon Jones' career.
The heart of the matter
Although there is potential for a four-year ban from the sport, depending on the success of Jon Jones' appeal to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, he may get away with as little as a six-month suspension. The fact that Jones has returned to training this early suggests he is confident that he has a strong enough case to get a reduced ban.
What’s next?
Jon Jones is expected to begin the appeal process soon in an attempt to avoid a potential four-year ban.
Jones remains adamant that he never knowingly took steroids and has vowed to make it 'to the top of the mountain' again in the UFC.
Author’s take
Jon Jones is undeniably one of the biggest stars in the UFC and legitimate pay-per-view draw. If he can avoid a lengthy suspension for his most recent USADA violation it is expected that the UFC would welcome him back once again.
Could they even look to book the rumoured super-fight between Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar?
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