The UFC fined light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones $25,000 for violating its Athlete Code of Conduct policy, the organization announced Saturday.
“Jones tested positive for cocaine during an out-of-competition drug test conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Dec. 4, 2014. The $25,000 will be donated to a substance abuse prevention program,” UFC officials said in a statement. “The UFC came to this decision after reviewing the facts surrounding the issue, and after receiving confirmation from the Nevada Athletic Commission that Jones passed all required drug tests following his bout at UFC 182 on Jan. 3.”
Jones’ positive test disappoints rival Gustafsson
The fine could be viewed as a minor punishment when you consider the fact Jones earned $500,000 for his win over Daniel Cormier at UFC 182. On top of their purses, both he and Cormier took home an additional $50,000 bonus for Fight of the Night.
On Jan. 6, the day his failed drug test was first reported, Jones announced he was entering a drug treatment facility. The 27-year-old reportedly spent one night in rehab before checking himself out.
Jones is expected to attend Sunday’s AFC Championship game in Foxborough, Mass., to watch his two brothers compete. Jones’s older brother Arthur is a defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts and his younger brother Chandler is a defensive end with the New England Patriots.
