UFC fines Jones $25K

The UFC announced it has fined Jon Jones $25,000 for violating the UFC Code of Conduct Policy.  Jones failed a drug test in early December which revealed cocaine in his system.  The UFC was informed of the drug test results on December 23^rd.

Results of the tests were not made public until after the fight January 3rd and Jones checked into drug rehab.  However, his stint in rehab was short-lived according to his mother who stated he only stayed one night.

The UFC stated that the $25,000 fine would be donated to a substance-abuse prevention program.  In its release the reason it delayed discipline on Jones was so that it would be able to receive results of urine and blood tests taken the night of the fight.  The UFC indicated that the test results from fight night were negative.  Per ESPN, the NSAC has yet to confirm.

Jones will appear on FS1 to give an exclusive interview with the network about the failed drug test.

Payout Perspective:

The fine amounts to public relations for the UFC.  $25,000 donated to a substance-abuse prevention program makes sense but the penalty should have been more punitive whether it is monetary or through other means.  Dana White indicated on the Jim Rome Show this past week that Jones probably has $15 million sitting in the back.  Jones reportedly made $500,000 at UFC 182 despite losing $50,000 for his part in August’s media day brawl.  So the fine is miniscule to Jones relatively speaking.

So, what should have the UFC done? It could have fined him more money.  It could have requested that Jones continue with drug rehab before returning to the UFC.  It could strip him of his light heavyweight title until he has addressed all of his personal issues (i.e., drug problems).  While $25,000 is a hefty fine for most people, Jon Jones is not most people.  Certainly, the UFC could have invoked a harsher penalty to reflect its concern for Jones and send a message to the rest of its independent contractors that regardless of who you are, all must abide by the UFC’s code of conduct policy.