Former UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, who has been out of action following a failed drug test following UFC 214, has been given a 95% chance of competing in the Octagon in 2018 according to his manager, Malki Kawa.
Jones, who has been suspended for a failed drugs test in the past back at UFC 200, defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 – his scheduled opponent before his other failed test. ‘Bones’ was informed the following day that he had tested positive for a banned substance (turinabol) in a test taken a day prior to the bout. He was suspended by USADA and later stripped of his title.
Given his history with doping, Jones was facing up to a four-year ban which could effectively cut his trouble-ridden career short. However, in an interview with Luke Thomas, Kawa was confident the former champion would be back in action sooner than expected.
He said: “By the end of this month, I think we get some clarity as far as what’s going on. We have a hearing with the California State Athletic Commission and we’re hoping to get the investigation with USADA wrapped up by then, as well.
“I’d like to say (there’s) about a 95-percent chance (he fights in 2018).”
The case remains ongoing so not much more information is available. Cormier, who was reinstated as champion, will face heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 but has previously encouraged a triology fight with Jones.
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