The UFC 200 rematch pitting Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier has been waylaid yet again following “Bones” failed drug tests in accordance with the Anti-Doping Policy. The whole row calls to mind a similar case on the WWE end in Roman Reigns.
Both Jon Jones and Roman Reigns are the high profile names of the UFC and WWE respectively at the moment. They were evidently pushed by their respective groups and they hype was there. The problem is that these drug-related allegations will be a big blow not only to them but in their respective campaigns.
Jones suspension is bad timing
Roman Reigns was suspended with possibly time to get him back by the time WWE Battleground happens. For Jon Jones, the timing was awful considering UFC 200 is days away.
He was a heavy favorite over reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier but all that will have to take place in the future once again. The question of when is a big question mark.
For Jon Jones, this will be the second time he will be suspended. He was suspended in April, 2015 for an off-ring case per Fox Sports. This time around, “Bones” suspension may not be indefinite though the minimum would be six months.
With that said, Jones’ stock may plummet as the UFC may be forced to build up on another star. Paired with his multiple problems outside the Octagon, his future in the UFC is beginning to look murky.
The big difference
The major difference here is Reigns is in a better position. His 30-day suspension will lapse soon and the fact is that he is not a repeat offender. He is not also tied to off-ring issues compared to Jones.
Anderson Silva replaces Jon Jones against Daniel Cormier
With Jones out, Cormier will be facing Anderson Silva instead. The Cormier vs. Silva bout was announced earlier today through Globo.
The new card should be interesting though one has to wonder the kind of shape “The Spider” may be in with just a couple of days left for UFC 200. The matchup will not be a title-fight as stressed by TMZ.