Jon Jones (Sports Illustrated)

Some things are just hard to believe. That is not the case when it comes to Jon Jones.

According to TMZ, Jones (22-1) has tested positive for the anabolic steroid Turinabol. This comes after his (now tainted) victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title. The UFC released a statement shortly after the news broke, stating the process of going through all the details are being looked into.

After a story of redemption was told about Jones, it appears it was all for nothing. This is not the first time Jones has tested positive with a substance in his system. He tested positive for cocaine in 2015 after beating Cormier the first time at UFC 182. The rematch was set, but Jones tampered with it by testing positive for a banned substance right before UFC 200. He was given a one-year ban by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for doing so. He also has had various other issues over the years, including a felony hit-and-run arrest and DUI.

Thanks to MMA Fighting, Jones’ camp sent out a statement regarding the news:

We are all at a complete loss for words right now. Jon, his trainers, his nutritionists and his entire camp have worked tirelessly and meticulously the past 12 months to avoid this exact situation. We are having the samples tested again to determine the validity or source of contamination. Jon is crushed by this news and we are doing whatever we can as a team, to support him.

With this move, Jones can be suspended for up to four years! This is just the latest strike against someone who is considered one of the best fighters in UFC history. Some find it hard to believe, but when you really think about it, it’s not. I can understand what he did if it was something addicting (cocaine again) in his system. The man has worked hard to fight his demons. However, when it comes to things like steroids, nothing seems to have changed. He is his own worse enemy.

Jones has not been stripped of his title yet, but one has to assume it will happen soon. It seems unlikely that Dana White will not do so considering his past history. You have to feel for D.C., who no matter how much he tries can’t seem to get the clean fight he deserves against someone who is considered one of his best rivals.

This news could mean another shot at the title for Cormier, pending whenever Jones would be stripped. If anything, he could be rewarded the title right away. This also puts a damper in the plans of a potential Jones v. Lesnar bout. While upset he won’t be able to cash in on the fight, Vince McMahon now has the upper hand when it comes to Lesnar’s WWE contract.

The timing could not have been worse, as Mayweather v. McGregor is right around the corner. As more details come out, one has to wonder: What could have been if Jon Jones held it all together? This may be the end of one of the fastest-rising stars to ever enter the octagon. It is another dark day for the UFC, with Jones once gain in the middle of it all.