UFC 200 Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier: Light Heavyweight Champ Off the Match for Doping Allegations
The Universal Fighting Championship (UFC) 200 championship fight between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier scheduled on July 9 has been cancelled. Jones was informed on July 6 about a possible doping violation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
This is the first time that the UFC champion has been involved in a doping violation. He did, however, tested positive for cocaine in early 2015. He was also suspended for six months due to a hit-and-run incident in that same year.
UFC representative Jeff Novitzky told reporters that USADA found the banned steroid from a sample Jones gave and taken more than two weeks ago. The findings prompted the UFC to cancel the bout since there was little time to schedule a full review of the case. It is still not clear if the particular steroid is a performance enhancer.
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Novitzky also told reporters that no sanctions will be imposed for now since Jones has the right to either question or even appeal the findings. He assured that the light heavyweight champion will be treated fairly. UFC fighters tested positive for banned steroids by the USADA can be suspended from the organization for a period of not less than two years.
Jones recently told ESPN that he wished to leave a legacy he can be proud of. He wants his story to be a source of inspiration to others.
Cormier Disappointed
Daniel Cormier felt a sense of foreboding when he received a text from the UFC. He was clearly disappointed when he received word that his bout with Jones has been called off. He told reporters that he had trained hard for his fight with Jones.
Cormier said that he is willing to find and fight another opponent. However, UFC president Dana White and even Cormier himself doubt they could find a suitable opponent in time.
Cormier's only option is to fight a bigger opponent than him. However, he only has two days to prepare for such event. He made it clear though that he does not blame USADA for the cancelled bout. Instead, he praised the organization for "cleaning up" the sports organization. Cormier added that "casualties" are to be expected.
The UFC heavyweight bout between Rock Lesnar and Mark Hunt will now be the top billing in the upcoming event.
