Just days after putting an exclamation point on his status as the best pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts with a dominant win over Daniel Cormier at UFC 182, the celebration has ended for Jon Jones. The UFC’s light heavyweight champion has reportedly checked into a drug treatment facility after it was revealed that he tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite in cocaine, according to Yahoo! Sports. The drug test was administered by the Nevada Athletic Commission on December 4, so the results were obtained before Jones’ highly-anticipated title defense against Cormier; however, benzoylecgonine is not banned “out-of-competition,” so it didn’t affect the fight.
Jones’ team has released a statement through Yahoo!:
With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility. 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.
UPDATE: The UFC and Dana White have issued statements.
STATEMENT FROM THE UFC:
“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.”
STATEMENT FROM DANA WHITE, UFC PRESIDENT
“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.”
We will continue to update this accordingly with news and further statements.
