By Jim Edwards and Jeremy Botter

Just over twelve hours from the shocking news that Jon Jones was out of UFC 200 due to an alleged violation of the UFC's drug testing policy, the media gathered at a follow-up press conference on Thursday morning.

Jones sat on the dais alongside manager Malki Kawa and crisis management expert Denise White.

"I want to start by apologizing to all the fans who came to support me for UFC 200," Jones said. "Obviously, I want to apologize to the UFC and the Fertittas. The thing that sucks the most is that I'm not able to perform and there's a lot that has gone into the event. I want to apologise to Daniel Cormier and everyone sincerely. I'm just really sorry all this has happened." 

Following this short statement, a visibly upset Jones walked from the stage and took ten minutes before returning with tears in his eyes. 

During his absence, Kawa confirmed that Jones had tested positive for a banned substance and that it 'could potentially be a supplement' issue. Kawa said that Jones B-sample was being tested on Thursday, and he was under the impression results would be back in tonight.

When Jones returned, he recalled the events about when he received the news.

"I was in my room getting ready to cut some weight and go workout," Jones said. "I was devastated and kinda, I dunno. My attitude was just to continue to fight. That's all I can do. 

"I will just try to be positive and optimistic about the whole situation. That was my attitude straight away; just figure how to get over this and get on with my personal life."

Jones was then asked about where he would go from here and took a few minutes to gather his composure before answering.

"I try to believe everything happens for a reason and that god has a plan for me. I'm just trying to stay optimistic. I feel like I've put in a lot of work to get back at this point." 

Jones said if given a chance to speak to Cormier, he would tell him he's sorry. 

Jones then added that he had not yet spoken to Dana White but he had been in contact with Lorenzo Fertitta to apologize and tell him that he'd never cheat.

Former UFC star Chael Sonnen, who was sitting among the press, then asked Jones whether he had knowingly taken the substance. Jones' replied: "I would never take anything that would enhance my game. I wouldn't cheat."

Both Jones and Kawa were asked on several occasions what Jones had tested positive for. Neither would reveal the substance, but Jones said he was unaware of what the substance was.

"I've never heard of it, I can't even pronounce it," Jones said. "I'm now going back through everything I've taken in the lead up to this fight and we are going to process everything to understand where the issue is.

"I'd never take anything to enhance me in any way. I just never thought anything like this could happen."