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What’s the story?
According to Jon Jones’ manager Malki Kawa, there is currently a very strong possibility of the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion returning to the Octagon later this year.
In case you didn’t know…
Jon Jones made his much-anticipated UFC return last year at UFC 214 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California when he once again defeated his arch-rival Daniel Cormier in their rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
However, following his title victory over DC on 22nd August, it was announced that Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation by USADA stemming from his test sample that was collected after weigh-ins July 28.
Jones allegedly tested positive for Turinabol, an anabolic steroid and was placed on a provisional suspension as a result of the positive drug test. As a result of this, the UFC eventually decided to strip Jones off the Light Heavyweight Championship and hand it back to Daniel Cormier.
A super fight with Brock Lesnar, which was being built up in a social media rivalry of sorts also didn't see the light of the day due to the untimely suspension.
The heart of the matter
During a recent edition of The Luke Thomas Show, Jones’ manager Malki Kawa stated that Jon's’ camp is currently expecting to resolve his drug-related suspension issues by the end of next month. Kawa has said that Jones’ camp has a future hearing with the California State Athletic Commission and are also hoping to wrap up the USADA investigation by then as well.
Additionally, he also believes that there is about 95% chance that Jones will once again step into the Octagon in 2018.
"Hopefully, it all works out that way. I got to assume that by the end of March, for a fact, we will get this resolved and get an idea of what it’s looking like. I'd like to say about a 95 percent chance [he fights in 2018]," Kawa stated, during his latest appearance on the Luke Thomas show.
What’s next?
Apparently, if Jones is found guilty of his test failure then the United States Anti-Doping Agency will suspend him for a total of four years. Meanwhile, the California State Athletic Commission has also granted Jones a stay in his case with a court date to take place at some point in February.
Author’s Take
The fact that Bones is one of the greatest combat fighters of all time is absolutely undeniable and I personally hope that we get to see the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion return at some point of time within 2018 itself.
