UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones will enter a drug rehabilitation facility after testing positive for benzoylecgonine which is a substantce produced when cocaine is metabolised in the body.
The test was carried out on December 4th, a month prior to Jones' title defence against Daniel Cormier at UFC 182. As it was an out of competition test and benzoylecgonine is not on WADA's list of substances banned outside of competition the result of last weekend's fight will stand.
In a statement released to Yahoo! Sport, Jones confirmed that he had entered rehab.
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.
UFC president Dana White said that the organisation is standing behind the light heavyweight belt holder.
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.
According to MMAFighting.com, he passed another test which was given several days after the initial one.
Jones became the UFC's youngest title holder ever when aged 23 he defeated Shogun Rua at UFC 128. He also has two brothers who play in the NFL, Chandler with the New England Patriots and Arthur with the Indianapolis Colts.
