:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50390465/021_Jon_Jones_0138.0.0.0.jpg)
Jon Jones may not be gone long after all.
As everyone remembers, Jones threw UFC 200 into chaos when he was pulled from the event just days before due to failing an out of competition drug test. Jones tested positive for Hydroxy-clomiphene, an anti-estrogenic agent, and Letrozole metabolite, an aromatase inhibitor, during a June 16 out-of-competition drug test administered by USADA. The Nevada Athletic Commission issued him a temporary suspension pending a full hearing. The general consensus so far has been that at the hearing Jones will receive the standard two year suspension for a drug test failure.
However, that might not be the case. Jones took to his Instagram account (which is private) to post a video Sunday updating his fans on the current situation, and he seems to think it won't be two years at all.
"How's it going Bones Jones supporters? If there are any of you guys still out there. Just wanted to take a few seconds to say hello to you all and give you a little update on how I've been doing. I've been doing really good; been training, spending time with family, attacking some of these legal issues that I've gotten myself into, trying really to just leave that all behind once and for all.
"I'm sure you guys are curious about what's going on with this USADA situation. Obviously I can't get into it because it's still pending, but what I can say is that we have found out lots of really good news and I am expecting to be back in the Octagon really soon.
"Thank you guys for your continued support. I love you guys and I hope you are spending this Sunday with people that you love. Be good and I hope to see you guys really soon."
Though the video is short on specifics, Jones' belief that he will be returning to sanctioned action soon would seem to suggest that he and his team have found a plausible explanation for his drug test failure, which could lessen his suspension. Both Tim Means and Yoel Romero were able to reduce their USADA suspensions to only six months after proving their failed tests were the result of tainted supplements; perhaps Jones can do the same.
It should be noted that what Jones expects isn't guaranteed to be what happens. The "good news" Jones has received may not be viewed as substantial enough to exonerate him. And even if USADA is persuaded by Jones, he still won't be out of the woods yet. Regardless of USADA's determination, Jones still must appear before the Nevada Athletic Commission, and even if USADA only gives Jones a six-month suspension, the NAC can still give him a two-year suspension.
If, despite Jones' optimism, he does receive the full two-year suspension, he will still only be 31 years old when he returns - plenty young enough to pick up where he left off as champion. He will however, likely lose anticipated fights with Daniel Cormier and Anthony Johnson who have both expressed the desire to preserve their health and retire before too long. But if Jones' "good news" is as good as he suggests, maybe we'll see him fighting again in early 2017.
We can only hope.
Jon Jones just dropped this message on Instagram and says he has good news & expects to be back in the Octagon soon. pic.twitter.com/Q6U8GFBSTo
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) August 15, 2016
MUST-READ STORIES
All for one. Conor McGregor says he would consider helping to organize a fighter's union in the future.
Strong arm. Dana White says Stephen Thompson is next fight for Tyron Woodley and the welterweight title.
Hail Mary. Conor McGregor says the UFC featherweights are "praying I don't come back."
Sunset. Dan Henderson wants to go out on top as the end to his storied career.
Please no. B.J. Penn vs. Ricardo Lamas is being targeted for UFC Fight Night: Manila.
EXTRA CREDIT READING
Paper chase. Jordan Breen of Sherdog looks at Eddie Alvarez's desire to fight money fights rather than the top contenders in his weight class.
MEDIA STEW
It's fight week y'all.
Highlights from Friday's presser.
Conor's media day and workout.
Bermudez put up a behind the scenes video from the other weekend.
Finishes for days.
LISTEN UP
Brit Pack
Three Amigos
Parting Shot
TWEETS
It's fight week!
The Notorious pic.twitter.com/gYOQQSAARe
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 13, 2016
Does Nate get one too? Is it a lion?
Starting Monday.... Use the hashtag #ConorMcGregor for a special @twitter emoji. #UFC202pic.twitter.com/FucDgQKECm
— Shanda (@UFC_Shanda) August 13, 2016
How fans will be with Travis and Werdum @ufc #blackbeast #inthishoe pic.twitter.com/a9EcL9TsBl
— Derrick Lewis (@Thebeast_ufc) August 13, 2016
Seems like UFC is using some bullying tactics to get T-Wood to fight Wonderboy.
Funny how there is an official fight announced and I 1) Havent spoken to anyone 2) Agreed on opponent or date 3) Signed a bout agreement.
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 12, 2016
Quite a nice accomplishment.
It was an honor & a privilege to award @John_Kavanagh his 3rd stripe in BJJ this weekend: https://t.co/vf8V57sK07pic.twitter.com/uEUTnEFQR5
— matt thornton (@aliveness_ape) August 14, 2016
Ilir Latifi remains my spirit animal: pic.twitter.com/eVoCsX9Juz
— Patrick Wyman (@Patrick_Wyman) August 14, 2016
That @starwars Rogue One trailer!
— Coach (@CMPunk) August 12, 2016
I'm not a doctor but that looks bad.
Double rainbow.
Dom on the mitts.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
John Lineker (28-7-0) vs. John Dodson (18-7-0); UFC Fight Night 96, October 1.
Thiago Santos (13-4-0) vs. Eric spicely (8-1-0); UFC Fight Night 95, September 24.
Godofredo Pepey (12-4-0) vs. Mike De La Torre (14-5-0, 1 NC); UFC Fight Night 95, September 24.
Erick Silva (18-7-0, 1 NC) vs. Luan Chagas (14-1-1); UFC Fight Night 95, September 24.
Glaico Franca (13-4-0) vs. Gregor Gillespie (7-0-0); UFC Fight Night 95, September 24.
Carina Damm (23-12-0) vs. Kalindra Faria (17-5-1); Titan FC 41, September 9.
Andrew Whitney (14-4-0) vs. Farkhad Sharipov (16-6-0); Titan FC 41, September 9.
TODAY IN MMA HISTORY
2004: Fedor Emelianenko and Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera fought in the finals of the Pride Heavyweight Grand Prix at Pride Final Conflict 2004. The bout was a No Contest resulting from large cut over Emelianenko's right eye caused by a clash of heads. Elsewhere that evening, Mirko Cro Cop knocked out Aleksander Emelianenko with a head kick and Wanderlei Silva stomped out Yuki Kondo.
2009: Cris Cyborg knocked out Gina Carano to become the inaugural Strikeforce Women's 145 lb champion atStrikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg. Also on the card, Gegard Mousasi knocked out Renato Sobral to become the Strikeforce light heavyweight champion and Gilbert Melendez defended his Strikeforce lightweight title, stopping Mitsuhiro Ishida with punches.
FINAL THOUGHTS
And here we are everybody, the biggest fight week of the year. Or at least that is what we all sort of thought it would be. Honestly, the buzz for this card seems very low considering it's a Conor McGregor show. If this event does under-perform, I wonder if it speaks to McGregor's loss having hurt his drawing power or if it's just event exhaustion with the UFC trotting out roughly 86 cards over the last two months?
Anyway, happy Monday everyone. Do big and wonderful things today and I'll see you tomorrow.
If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, just hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and let me know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting because we post dope things and you should enjoy them.
Get the latest gear
