MMA Fighting reports that Jon Jones has reached a settlement with the Nevada State Athletic Commission and will serve a one year suspension. Jones will be able to return this summer to the UFC octagon.
Jones avoids a hearing before the NAC which could have added on to a USADA suspension handed down to him in October. A three-person arbitration panel handed down a one year suspension for Jones as he was the first UFC fighter to take USADA to arbitration. The panel determined that Jones acted recklessly when he took a Cialis-like sexual enhancement pill without knowledge of its contents. Jones had hoped that the arbitration panel would have been more lenient in its sentencing as a one year suspension was the original requested penalty for Jones.
Jones was to have appeared before the NAC next week at the commission’s monthly hearing. Jones or his representatives will be there, but to confirm the agreed upon settlement, rather than deal with a punishment.
The one year suspension appears to be retroactive to the date of the discovery of his USADA drug test results, July 6, 2016.
Payout Perspective:
The settlement ensures that Jones will have a possibility to return to the UFC at about the same time that the UFC will run its annual International Fight Week. This should/could mean the long awaited fight between Jones-Cormier could occur then assuming Jones stays out of trouble and Cormier remains injury-free. With today’s news, Jones avoids the possibility of an additional suspension and/or prolonged legal battle.
NAC Jon Jones Complaint by JASONCRUZ206 on Scribd
NAC Jon Jones Answer by JASONCRUZ206 on Scribd
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Can’t believe this guy is still employed