CSAC overturns Jon Jones' title win over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214

In the wake of Jon Jones’ “B” sample also failing a drug test, the California State Athletic Commission has overturned his win over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214.

Jones, 30, knocked out Cormier at the July 29 pay-per-view event at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. But the light heavyweight title fight is now considered a no-contest, CSAC Executive Director Andy Foster today told MMAjunkie. The development was first reported by MMAFighting.com.

Jones (22-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) faces up to a four-year ban from UFC anti-doping partner USADA after a July 28 drug test found the banned steroid turinabol in his urine. But he also faces a separate punishment from CSAC, which regulated UFC 214 and his fight with Cormier (19-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC).

The CSAC indefinitely suspended Jones and fined him after the “A” sample of his July 28 drug test came back positive on Aug. 22. After the initial finding was confirmed Tuesday by the “B” sample, the fight was ruled a no-contest.

The commission will now conduct a hearing to determine Jones’ final punishment. Its next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 17 in Los Angeles.

Foster declined to comment when asked by MMAjunkie whether the Jones team has indicated it will appeal, though he said the commission will work with the fighter if he needs more time to put together a case.

“I think the commissioners would rather do it right than do it fast,” Foster said.

It’s unclear where the new development leaves Jones as far as his UFC title. UFC officials told MMAjunkie the promotion is in the process of discussing how the commission’s move affects Jones’ still-pending case with anti-doping partner USADA.

UFC President Dana White, however, recently said Cormier would become champion if UFC anti-doping partner USADA suspended Jones.

Jones, via his reps, have steadfastly maintained his innocence and indicated the positive test stems from a tainted supplement. It’s the UFC champ’s second anti-doping case with USADA after a failed test prior to UFC 200 scratched him from a title unifier against Cormier, which led to a one-year suspension.

For more on UFC 214, check out the UFC Events section of the site.