In a stunning turn of events, Jon Jones has been removed from UFC 200 at the 11th hour.
On Wednesday night, USADA released a statement confirming that ‘Bones’ would no longer be competing on the July 9 card due to a potential doping violation.
Interim light heavyweight champion Jones was expected to square off with Daniel Cormier for the undisputed 205 lbs crown but that won’t be taking place and Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt has been upgraded to main event status.
UFC president Dana White took a late night press conference to explain to media members that the promotion wasn’t ruling out the possibility of a late replacement stepping in against Cormier but insisted that Lesnar vs. Hunt would remain the new headliner.
BREAKING: Jon Jones has been removed from UFC 200 card for potential doping violation https://t.co/OhLVAPztZ4
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 7, 2016
And professionals in the MMA game couldn’t quite believe what they were reading.
@dc_mma @ufc, I feel for ya. I know it feels to have your opponent get pulled 3 days before the fight due to being dishonorable. #norespect
— Dan Henderson (@danhendo) July 7, 2016
This is craziness. Don't even know what to say. #UFC200
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) July 7, 2016
@dc_mma you is the true champiom…
— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) July 7, 2016
I wonder if there's any regret taking him off the card over a press conference now? 🤔💉💉🚫🚫
— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) July 7, 2016
I was the last LHW Strikeforce Champion. I will be the next LHW @ufc Champion if given this fight. @danawhite
— Gegard Mousasi (@mousasi_mma) July 7, 2016
Honestly, I'm crushed by this. Was really looking forward to this fight, after all that build up… https://t.co/M0yBzJqmXM
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 7, 2016
Dirty fighters better check under their beds because @usantidoping gonna get you
— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) July 7, 2016
Black Panty Night! @UFC @Danawhite give me @dc_mma vs @roynelsonmma + PPV. I am in after I beat the black beast… https://t.co/bQC4OZCwsB
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) July 7, 2016
Damn I thought I messed up my career with my bad decisions whole you know how much money this guy has wasted https://t.co/8hbCJhZ32M
— Chris Leben (@ChrisLebenMMA) July 7, 2016
Flying to Vegas and my jaw dropped once I got WiFi…
Speechless is all I can say!— Rumble Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) July 7, 2016
@JonnyBones doesn't wanna be saved don't save em he don't wanna be saved don't save em. #UFC200
— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) July 7, 2016
Sad day for MMA 😞
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) July 7, 2016
Hey @danawhite if you need someone, give me a shot
— “Filthy” Tom Lawlor トム・ローラー (@FilthyTomLawlor) July 7, 2016
I guess he didn't take DC's "get your shit together" advice to heart. 🙁 #ufc200 https://t.co/6gWI79tAof
— The Mane Event™ (@EliasTheodorou) July 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/MeansTim/status/750902435791540225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Shit was looking forward to that war ! #UFC200
— Sergio Pettis (@sergiopettis) July 7, 2016
Great day of training.. Looking forward to UFC 200.. Giving Twitter a looksies before bed one more ti.. OMFG
— Josh Samman (@JoshSamman) July 7, 2016
Wow
— Michael McDonald (@MaydayMcDonald) July 7, 2016
Can't say I'm surprised. https://t.co/F2eVRTRXEb
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) July 7, 2016
As a fan I'm disappointed in Jon's recklessness, again. As a fighter, I feel bad for DC not getting to unify his belt & get that big payday.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) July 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/BlessedMMA/status/750899760849006594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/MannyGamburyan/status/750899020730540032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
USADA strikes again. #AnotherOneBitesTheDust
— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) July 7, 2016
2 months, 2 weeks, 2 days…… Hmmm middle vs light heavy???? I stand by my words. I'd do it!
— michael (@bisping) July 7, 2016
