Jon Jones (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Jon Jones cleared a major hurdle today for a planned, March 2nd fight with Anthony Smith in Las Vegas, as the UFC’s light-heavyweight champ was awarded a license for the contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Due to the recent test results that have come back for Jones, which indicated the presence of a trace amount of the steroid metabolite he was suspended for in 2017, the fighter will undergo additional testing in advance of UFC 235. In addition, after the March 2nd card, Jones will need to reapply for licenses to compete in Nevada, and he will also be subject to additional drug testing.

UFC 235 will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jones, who has repeatedly denied ever knowingly taking steroids, reclaimed the 205 title last month by stopping Alexander Gustafsson.