USADA Denies Bribes In Jon Jones Case

It has been over a year since Jon Jones tested positive following his UFC 214 victory over Daniel Cormier, and there has still not been any resolution in his case with USADA.

While USADA has shown its usual restraint and silence during the results management phase of this case, a rumor has spread that Jones had in fact paid off the UFC’s anti-doping partner in an attempt to resolve an alleged second offense.

USADA spokesperson Danielle Eurich told MMAjunkie in a written statement that, “In relation to some media and social media comments we have observed, USADA wishes to clarify that under no circumstances do we receive payments as part of the resolution of cases.”

In July, Colby Covington insinuated to the You’re Welcome podcast that Jones’ management team may be trying to do a financial workaround.

“They’re probably trying to pay off the UFC or USADA somehow to get him back earlier,” Covington said of his former roommate. “You never know the UFC’s side, they want to do business and make money, so if he’s available, and USADA clears him, then they’’re gonna want to do business and put him back out there to fight and make that company money.

“They’ve got a $4 billion installment on that loan to pay back, so they’re gonna do whatever it takes to make money and pay back that loan.”

In what could be his second violation in the USADA era of UFC drug testing, Jones faces a maximum four-year suspension for testing positive for turinabol against Daniel Cormier in 2016.

While Jones awaits a USADA decision, he had his license to fight invalidated by the California State Athletic Commission earlier this year, but has hinted at a potential return to the Octagon this year.

Initial Report: MMA Junkie