Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones failed a drug test for UFC 214. The former title holder was ultimately dealt a retroactive 15-month suspension from the octagon.
As a result, “Bones” Jones will be eligible to compete within the UFC once again on Oct. 28, 2018. Reports have since surfaced that Jon Jones allegedly had to provide information on other anti-doping policy violators in order to receive a reduced sentence for his own failed drug test hearing.
Jon Jones’ manager Malki Kawa has since come forward to deny the reports. However, USADA has now offered a statement over the matter. As provided to MMA Junkie, the statement is as follows.
“Importantly, if the athlete or support personnel fails to continue to cooperate and provide credible substantial assistance, USADA will reinstate the original sanction. These rules set out in 10.6.1.1 are crystal clear, and if they are not met, an individual would not be considered for a reduction based on substantial assistance.”
The “substantial assistance” rule permits USADA to provide leniency in their judgement if the defendant provides information “which results in a criminal or disciplinary body discovering or bringing forward a criminal offense or the breach of professional rules committed by another person.”
