Jon Jones Fined by UFC for Violating Code of Conduct: Latest Details, Reaction

UFC star Jon "Bones" Jones was fined $25,000 Saturday for violating the mega MMA promotion's athlete code of conduct policy.

An official news release through UFC.com confirmed the report of Jones' punishment:

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The UFC announced today that it has fined light heavyweight champion Jon Jones $25,000 for violating the organization's Athlete Code of Conduct policy. Jones tested positive for cocaine during an out-of-competition drug test conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Dec. 4, 2014. The $25,000 will be donated to a substance abuse prevention program.

The UFC came to this decision after reviewing the facts surrounding the issue, and after receiving confirmation from the Nevada Athletic Commission that Jones passed all required drug tests following his bout at UFC 182 on Jan. 3.

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Jones improved his professional record to 21-1 in retaining his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in a unanimous-decision victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 on January 3. It marked the eighth consecutive time Jones had successfully defended his title.

Since then, though, Jones has drawn controversy due to his positive test for cocaine. UFC President Dana White publicly expressed concern regarding Jones' decision away from the Octagon leading up to such a monumental showdown with a formidable foe in Cormier.

"We've had many conversations since that happened and my thing is whether you have a problem with street drugs or not, you say you don't have a problem, there's something definitely wrong if you're doing that three weeks before the biggest fight of your life," said White, via FoxSports.com's Damon Martin.

Jones, 27, checked into a rehab facility and stayed overnight when news of his positive test surfaced just days after the fight. According to Jones' mother, Camille Jones, he is continuing the rehab education on his own, per a report by Travis Eldridge of WBNG.

It remains to be seen when Jones will be in action again. Alexander Gustafsson stated on his official Facebook page (NSFW language) that he wasn't impressed with Jones' victory over Cormier, hinting at a potential rematch of their UFC 165 encounter that Jones won, also by unanimous decision.

Jones has expressed interest in fighting Cain Velasquez, which would be an intriguing showdown between two of the UFC's best and likely heighten anticipation for Bones' return to competition.