What's Next For Jon Jones?

We're headed toward a great conclusion to 2018 if recent developments are any indication.

Daniel Cormier made history by knocking out Stipe Miotic in the first round, TJ Dillashaw solidified his legacy with a repeat knockout victory over Cody Garbrandt and Tyron Woodley silenced all critics with a submission victory over Darren Till, furthering his claim as one of the best welterweights to ever do it.

As we look ahead, there are a lot of exciting developments that will close the year. Conor and Khabib have started their press run in anticipation to a megafight, Tyron Woodley wants to fight again, Amanda Nunes and Cyborg are set to mix it up and hot up and comer Israel Adesanya is set to further his resume.

But most recently, news broke that Jon Jones' USADA suspension is up and he can fight again starting Oct. 28.

As with everything involving Jon Jones, the announcement wasn't without controversy. Let's take a glimpse at what this move means, what people are saying and what developments can occur now that Jones is back.

The Move Has People Looking at USADA Sideways

The ruling from USADA is that Jones wasn't intentionally trying to cheat with the substance that was found in his system and that he's been cooperative in helping them go after others involved with doping.

Take from that what you will.

On the surface, it appears similar to a plea deal, where someone lower on the totem pole gives up the big fish in exchange for a lighter sentence. Since Jones maintains his innocence, perhaps he gave up people that he feels were intentionally sabotaging him.

We may never know.

But what's clear is that this ruling is a black eye for USADA, a program that many in the MMA community have already harshly criticized.

Cormier, Jones' nemesis, questioned the legitimacy of the program and said that USADA is no longer welcome to show up at his house at 6 a.m. to test him, since he's always done the right thing.

Jones Has His Work Cut Out For Him to Rebuild His Legacy

The story of Jon Jones has been a rollercoaster -- from an addiction and depression redemption story to suspicions of cheating and not taking second chances seriously.

No matter where you stand from a moral or competitive integrity standpoint, it's clear that the Jon Jones brand needs a reboot.

The best thing he can do right now is say all the right things and then remain low-key aside from glimpses into his camp displaying his work ethic and desire to right the wrongs. And of course -- he's got to cut out all circumstances that could lead to him being pulled from fights.

Regardless of his once in a lifetime talent, not being reliable for fight cards is bad for business no matter how you slice it.

It's Unclear What Matchups Will Come From It

So now the important part -- who will Jones fight?

Of course, a Cormier trilogy is the most logical choice, though Cormier is waiting on a Brock Lesnar heavyweight bout early 2019, and he said he'll take one more fight before retiring in March.

That leaves a very small window for a Jones fight, and Cormier has said that he's open to fighting Jones, but is tired of involving himself in the circus of Jon Jones.

A Gustafson fight makes sense, and a Brock Lesnar bout will be a mega payday after he's finished with Cormier.

We'll have to wait and see how these details play out, but it'll be exciting to watch.