Jones removed from UFC 200 (positive test for clomiphene/letrozole)

On July 6, 2016 Jon Jones was pulled from the UFC 200 card that had been scheduled to feature a rematch with Daniel Cormier. The removal followed USADA notifying the UFC of a potential anti-doping violation linked to clomiphene and letrozole; ESPN reported Jones tested positive for those banned substances, referencing testing around June 16, 2016 and the subsequent administrative process [4]. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) later issued disciplinary action related to the matter and Jones faced a one-year suspension tied to the positive test reporting [4]. Immediate reactions included widespread media coverage highlighting the disruption of a high-profile rematch and commentary on the effect of anti-doping enforcement on fight scheduling. Names and organizations involved: Jon Jones (athlete), Daniel Cormier (scheduled opponent), USADA (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which notified the UFC), and the Nevada State Athletic Commission (which issued a suspension) [4]. The incident interrupted promotional plans and delayed the in-cage resolution that fans and the promotion were expecting.

Jones' removal from UFC 200 mattered because it postponed a highly anticipated rematch and placed anti-doping credibility at the center of the Jones–Cormier dispute. The suspension and public reporting of clomiphene and letrozole positives provided factual, adjudicated events that Cormier and media could cite when questioning Jones' record and title opportunities. It shifted part of the rivalry from sport competition to regulatory adjudication [4].

The UFC 200 removal delayed the rematch and intensified scrutiny of Jones' testing history. The suspension process and media coverage kept the rivalry in headlines while the fighters and the UFC rescheduled plans that eventually led to the UFC 214 bout in July 2017. The administrative record from the NSAC and reporting by ESPN remained part of the public dossier on Jones’ anti-doping issues [4].