Jon Jones reportedly asked for the release of the UFC if USADA had imposed a four-year suspension

After months and months of investigations into Jon Jones's failed doping test at UFC 214 last year, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) granted Bones a 15-month retroactive suspension allowing him to resume the fight later this year.

It was a sigh of relief for Jones and his team, as a second offense under the USADA normally results in a prolonged suspension of up to four years. If the drug testing agency had laid the groundwork, it would not have ended Jon's career in combat sports. This, however, would have been the end of the "fighting" inside the Octagon.

According to Jon, if things were not going well for USADA, he was ready to advocate for his unconditional release so that he could continue his fighting career abroad.

"I was facing a four-year suspension and it was devastating. I really had to reevaluate a lot of things such as what I think about sports or fighting abroad. Who am I outside of sport? It was a major learning experience for me to experience something like what I just came out of, "he said in a recent interview for Ariel Helwani's MMA Show.

"I would have gone on to something else. I would have probably talked to the UFC about the possibility of getting out of my contract and fighting abroad. I think a lot of organizations would be happy to have me. I think they would pay me pretty well. It's certainly not the money I get at the UFC, but I felt that if I moved, I would be one of their top priorities and I would be treated well. "

Although Jon is one of the highest paying fighters under the banner of the UFC, ONE FC seems to be embarking on the purchase of new talent. It is safe to say that Jon would have landed fairly quickly. Whether Dana White and Co. released it or not, is another story.

Yet Jones would not have changed his career because he is generously paid for his services. Something he says that he does not take for granted.

"I would not have left the sport. There are not many things you can do where you can earn more than a million dollars in one night. I am very conscious of that, so I would not have stopped fighting. It's a very special job that I have, "he concluded.

In the end, everything is back in order and Jones will make his long awaited return to the Octagon when he will face Alexander Gustafsson in the main event of UFC 232 on December 29, 2018. in Las Vegas, Nev., for the vacant Light Heavyweight title.

For more information on this event à la carte, click here and here.