The United States Anti-Doping Agency confirmed today during a hearing held in Las Vegas that Jon Jones tested positive for two types of estrogen blockers. It was these blockers that lead to the failed drug test that forced Jones off the UFC 200 card with only a few days before the event took place.
According to the USADA Jones had clomiphene and letrozole both are banned substances. Clomiphene is an anti-estrogen substance while letrozole is said to prevent testosterone from turning into estrogen. Jones’ provisional suspension has been extended and he now faces the reality of being suspended for two years. A formal hearing is expected to take place sometime in September or October.
Jones has retained the services of renowned anti-doping attorney Howard L. Jacobs. Jacobs has represented such high-profile athletes as Olympic sprinter Marion Jones, WNBA star Diana Taurasi and Tour de France cyclist Floyd Landis. He has also represented MMA fighters Sean Sherk, Alexander Shlemenko, Tim Means.
Jones was flagged for an anti-doping agency on July 6th and was removed from UFC 200 which was scheduled for July 9th. The findings were made from an out-of competition drug test Jones took on June 16th.
According to Jones’ manager, Malki Kawa, the former UFC light heavyweight champion lost out on an “eight-figure payday” because of the anti-doping violation.