Greg Hardy and Jon Jones have become two of the most controversial fighters in the UFC. Jon Jones has failed a number of drug tests, resulting in multiple suspensions. He's also had trouble with the legal system. Now Jon Jones is meeting with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, in hopes of being granted a fighting license so he can fight his scheduled bout at UFC 235.

NSAC granting Jon Jones ability to fight at UFC 235

After a lengthy hearing and dozens of testimonies, the Nevada State Athletic Commission granted Jones a fight license, but he must agree to continued drug testing throughout this year.

Jones just completed a 14-month long suspension, following a failed drug test at UFC 214 in 2017. Jones was expected to return December 2017 in Las Vegas.

Moments before his UFC 232 bout, his pre-fight test revealed traces of a banned substance. The NSAC needed to do additional testing before Jones would be allowed to fight, so the scheduled event was moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. While Jones was banned from competing in Nevada, he was allowed to fight in California.

Jon Jones willing to undergo drug testing

During the NSAC hearing, Jones said that fighting was his life and fighting in Nevada is important to him. He sees Nevada as the fighting capital of the world. Jones acknowledged taking the banned substance but said he never intended to take a known banned substance.

He agreed to the continued drug testing. Because of his actions, the UFC expanded drug testing of all fighters.

MMA Junkie has announced that Jon Jones will now be defending his title against Anthony Smith at UFC 235 at the T-Mobile Arena. The license was awarded on the condition that his M3 metabolite level continues to be on the same level that was recorded over the last 18 months.

Along with the UFC, NSAC will also conduct their own drug testing during this time. Jones ended up fighting Gustafsson and defeating him via third-round KO on Dec. 29.

Time will tell whether Jon Jones is willing to follow the rules set by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Jones' fight comes as the UFC is forced to deal with the outcome of Greg Hardy's controversial disqualification in his first match, drawing much criticism from fans. UFC president Dana White came out publicly and praised Jones after he was cleared to fight at UFC 235. White originally was not a big fan of Jon Jones because of his constant drug test fails.
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