UFC 232 moving from Vegas to L.A. after abnormality in Jon Jones drug test

UFC 232 headliner Jon Jones isn't sanctioned to fight in Las Vegas next weekend after a drug testing abnormality, according to ESPN's Brett Okamoto. Therefore, the promotion will move the card to Los Angeles.

A test Jones took earlier this month revealed a residual amount of turinabol, the substance that led to his most recent suspension from the sport in 2017. The Nevada State Athletic Commission won't have adequate time to investigate the matter, UFC president Dana White told MMA Junkie's Matt Erickson and John Morgan. However, the California State Athletic Commission will approve a license for Jones to meet Alexander Gustafsson for the light heavyweight title on Dec. 29.

Jones will be allowed to withdraw his fight license application in Nevada in order to fight in California, according to Erickson and Morgan. In an appearance on "SportsCenter", White said the fight needs to proceed without further delay, according to Okamoto.

"Today, Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) executive director Bob Bennett announced that, in consultation with NSAC commission chair Anthony Marnell III, unarmed combatant Jon Jones will be allowed to withdraw his pending application for licensure, which was intended to clear him to fight in a major contest in Nevada later this month," read a statement from the NSAC, obtained by Erickson and Morgan.

"After extensive analysis of Mr. Jones' prior 18 months of USADA in- and out-of-competition anti-doping drug testing results, Director Bennett, Chair Marnell, and Mr. Jones agree that he will appear at an evidentiary hearing in January. This will allow for a measured, thoughtful, and comprehensive discussion of his anti-doping testing protocol and results and provide an opportunity for the NSAC to determine the appropriate path forward for him in Nevada. We look forward to this hearing."

UFC's vice president of athlete health and performance Jeff Novitzky said Jones isn't currently in violation of USADA's drug-testing program.

"There's been no violation of the anti-doping program. He's been cleared to fight in terms of the USADA program," Novitzky said.

Nonetheless, the news drew criticism from the MMA community.