Light-heavyweight mixed martial arts champion Jon Jones poses for fans during the weigh-ins for UFC 182 in Las Vegas, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015. Jones is to face Daniel Cormier in a bout on Saturday. (AP Photo/The Las Vegas Sun, LE Baskow)
Just days after he successfully defended his UFC Light Heavyweight title, it was revealed on Jan. 6 that Jon Jones tested positive for traces of cocaine a month earlier, according to media reports.
According to ESPN, Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett said Jones had tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a by-product of cocaine use, in early December. Following the announcement, Jones informed the commission that he had admitted himself into a drug treatment center.
Jones’ urine sample was taken by a World Anti-Doping Agency on Dec. 4, but results from the test were considered out of competition, meaning Jones’ Jan. 3 victory over Daniel Cormier will stand.
“We support UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue,” the UFC said in a statement to ESPN. “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.”
“With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility,” Jones said in a statement to Yahoo! Sports. “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.”
Jones has a record of 20-1, and his eight consecutive title defenses ranks third all-time in UFC history.