Jon Jones eligible to fight as of Oct. 28 following USADA ruling

The United States Anti-Doping Agency announced Wednesday that an independent arbitrator has levied a 15-month retroactive sanction on UFC fighter Jon Jones for an anti-doping violation.

The suspension began July 28, 2017, the date Jones' positive test for a prohibited substance was collected, making him eligible to return to action as of Oct. 28.

The decision was rendered by Richard H. McLaren.

"The independent arbitrator found that Jon Jones was not intentionally cheating in this case, and while we thought 18 months was the appropriate sanction given the other circumstances of the case, we respect the arbitrator's decision and believe that justice was served," said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart.

"This case is another strong reminder that athletes need to be extremely cautious about the products and supplements they use to ensure they are free of prohibited substances."

Jones' victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 was rendered a no-contest because of the positive test.