UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones tested positive for cocaine in a drug test ordered by the Nevada Athletic Commission on December 4th and he will now enter a drug treatment facility.
The news of the positive drug test was reported by Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports and Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite in cocaine.
Jones defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 this past Saturday night and he will not be penalized for the positive drug test as benzoylecgonine is not a banned substance out of competition.
The UFC champion did release a statement to Yahoo Sports on his drug test and entering a drug treatment facility.
“With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility,” Jones said in a statement. “I want to apologize to my fiancée, my children, as well as my mother, father, and brothers for the mistake that I made. I also want to apologize to the UFC, my coaches, my sponsors and equally important to my fans. I am taking this treatment program very seriously. Therefore, at this time my family and I would appreciate privacy.”
Following the news of the positive drug test, the UFC released the following statement.
“We support UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue. While we are disappointed in the failed test, we applaud him for making this decision to enter a drug treatment facility. Jon is a strong, courageous fighter inside the Octagon, and we expect him to fight this issue with the same poise and diligence. We commend him on his decision, and look forward to him emerging from this program a better man as a result.”
In addition, UFC President Dana White released a statement saying he is proud of the UFC fighter making the decision to enter a rehab center.
“I am proud of Jon Jones for making the decision to enter a drug treatment facility. I’m confident that he’ll emerge from this program like the champion he truly is.”
Stay tuned to TheMMAReport.com for updates on this developing story.