Jon Jones has been cleared for a return to the UFC this year.
USADA handed Jones a 15-month suspension for his second positive drug test. The suspension is retroactive, which allows Jones to return to fighting on Oct. 28.
An arbitrator apparently ruled that Jones did not intend to cheat when he failed a drug test last year.
BREAKING: Jon Jones (@JonnyBones) suspended 15 months by USADA, for his failed drug test prior to UFC 214. Arbitrator rules there was "no intention" by Jones to cheat, even though a source for the substance was never confirmed. Eligible to return Oct. 28, as far as USADA goes.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 19, 2018
Jones had been awaiting his fate from USADA following a positive drug test after his victory over Daniel Cormier — later overturned to a no contest — at UFC 214 in July 2017. Jones tested positive for the anabolic steroid Turinabol, but he insisted afterwards that he did not take the prohibited substance intentionally.
The failed test for Jones was his second in as many fights. He also tested positive for two banned substances after his win over Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 197 in April 2016. Jones believed the positive drug test was triggered by Cialis. Though an arbitration panel did not feel Jones took the prohibited substances intentionally, he was still suspended a year.
Jones was facing up to a maximum of a four-year suspension from USADA for his second failed drug test. He has not fought for 14 months.
Earlier this year, Jones and Brock Lesnar expressed interest in fighting one another.
