Jones: 'Path to reclaiming my throne is officially open'

Jon Jones has his sights set on becoming a champion once again.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion and pound-for-pound king was given clearance to resume his career when the United States Anti-Doping Agency announced Wednesday that Jones can return to competition on Oct. 28 following the completion of a 15-month ban for a second drug violation.

After the announcement, Jones took to social media to express his "gratitude and appreciation."

"It's difficult to express myself at this moment but I can definitely say my heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation," Jones wrote on Instagram. "I want to thank all of you who have stood by me during the toughest stretch of my life. It has meant the world to me and always will.

"But now is the time to shift the focus front and center to the road ahead. Greatness is what I'm chasing and the path to reclaiming my throne is now officially open. Comeback Season begins now."

Jones first claimed UFC gold in March 2011 and recorded 10 championship victories thereafter, including two over current two-weight champ Daniel Cormier, before his second victory over Cormier at UFC 214 last July was rendered a no-contest after his positive drug test for a steroid metabolite.