Jon Jones (photo via Al Bello/ Zuffa LLC)

By FCF Staff

Since it was revealed that Jon Jones tested positive for cocaine metabolites leading up to UFC 182, some have been wondering why the promotion did not take steps to remove the light-heavyweight champ from the bout, since it was aware of the test results. While critics have posited that the promotion didn’t do so, because of the financial implications involved, UFC President Dana White claims it wasn’t an option,

White appeared on FOX Sports 1, and while discussing the Jones situation, the ZUFFA exec repeated that first and foremost, they’re concerned with Jones getting better.Following the news of Jones’ test results, the renowned fighter has checked himself into a drug treatment program.

When White was asked about whether cancelling the fight was an option, however, the promotion’s president told FOX Sports 1, “no.” According to a report from MMA Fighting.com, White said they had to move forward with the bout, since Jones was “healthy”, and because the champion did not test positive for performance enhancing drugs.

White then proceeded to add: “The other thing people have to understand in this situation. Jon Jones was contracted to fight, and everyone thinks we can just say, ‘the fight’s off, the fight’s not happening.’ He had the right to fight.”

The UFC President also confirmed that Cormier was not informed of the Jones’ test results, prior to the bout, because “he doesn’t need to be.” White noted that if Jones had tested positive for PEDs, then things would have been different. Cocaine metabolites are not listed as a banned, out of competition substance by the World Doping Agency, and therefore, the Nevada Commission was not in a position to intervene.

Jones went on to score a unanimous decision win over Daniel Cormier at the January 3rd event.