UFC 200: Jon Jones issues tearful apology for anti-doping violation

Just over 12 hours from the shock announcement last night that Jon Jones was out of UFC 200 due to an alleged Usada drugs violation, the media gathered at a follow-up press conference in Las Vegas to hear from the man himself.

News of the incident broke on Wednesday evening when Jeff Novitsky, the UFC's vice president of athlete health and performance, announced the current interim light heavyweight champion had been cited for a potential anti-doping offence.

Jones was then immediately removed from the main event of UFC 200, just 72 hours shy of fight night, leaving Daniel Cormier devastated and without an opponent. Dana White, the UFC president, was visibly beside himself at what had happened to an event expected to be the biggest UFC pay-per-view of all time.

Upon arrival, all press were immediately made aware that this was not a UFC press conference but rather a press conference that had been called by Jones and his representatives.

It began with Jones entering the stage flanked by his agent Malki Kawa. Shortly after taking his seat, he issued a statement that was littered with apologies.

"I want to start by apologising to all the fans who came to support me for UFC 200," Jones said. "Obviously, I want to apologise to the UFC and the Fertitta's. The thing that sucks the most is that I'm not able to perform and there's a lot that has gone into the event. I want to apologise to Daniel Cormier and everyone sincerely. I'm just really sorry about this has happened."

Following this short statement, a visibly upset Jones walked from the stage and took ten minutes before returning with tears in his eyes.

During his absence, Kawa confirmed that Jones had tested positive for a banned substance and that it 'could potentially be a supplement' issue. Kawa then also stated that the test Jones failed on Junes 16th was the last he taken and that Jones fully denied any allegations. Kawa also said that the B sample would be tested later today.

When Jones returned, he recalled the events about when he received the news.

"I was in my room getting ready to cut some weight and go workout," Jones said. "I was devastated and kinda, I dunno. My attitude was just to continue to fight. That's all I can do.

"I will just try to be positive and optimistic about the whole situation. That was my attitude straight away; just figure how to get over this and get on with my personal life."

Jones was then asked about where he would go from here and took a few minutes to gather his composure before answering.

"I try to believe everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan for me. I'm just trying to stay optimistic. I feel like I've put in a lot of work to get back at this point. I feel like I have to I have to reclimb another ladder."

Jones then stated he had not yet reached out Cormier to speak to him. Wiping tears from his eyes, he then detailed exactly what he would say if given the opportunity.

"I've not had the opportunity to talk to him and I just wanna tell him I'm sorry that's it," Jones said. "I know this fight meant a lot to him."

Jones added that he had not yet spoken to White but he had been in contact with Lorenzo Fertitta to apologise and tell him that he'd never cheat.

Former UFC star Chael Sonnen, who was sitting among the press, then asked Jones whether he had knowingly taken the substance. Jones replied: "I would never take anything that would enhance my game. I wouldn't cheat."

Both Jones and Kawa were asked on several occasions what Jones had tested positive for. Neither would reveal the substance, but Jones said he was unaware of what the substance was.

"I've never heard of it, I can't even pronounce it," Jones said. "I'm now going back through everything I've taken in the lead up to this fight and we are going to process everything to understand where the issue is.

"I'd never take anything to enhance me in any way. I just never thought anything like this could happen. I never thought I'd even be in a grey area having to jot down everything I take."

Jones then made a clear promise to fans that he would be back better than ever from this latest setback.

"All the people who believe in me I hope you continue to believe in me," Jones said. "The story isn't over and the best is yet to come. This changes nothing when it comes to my journey. When it comes to my fight to sobriety, I'll continue on that path. I'll definitely be back.

"I hope the fans know that I'm a fighter and that adversity isn't something that beats me and I'm not broken. I'm upset today but I guarantee them that one day they will eventually be proud."

"I believe that something good will come from this. Right now it's hard to seek it. I'm so sorry I'm crying. I just think something good will come from this and I just got to keep going.

"If I have to sit out for two years I will definitely be back. I'm optimistic. I'm a fighter, I'm a fighter and even though I may seem I'm broken up here,l I'm just really upset and I've been through a lot to get to this point and I'm not going to let anything slow me down.

"Obviously, two years out the game will slow me down but I will find good in this. I just, I just think God has a way of talking to us..."