UFC News: Jon Jones Tests Positive For Cocaine, Enters Drug-Treatment Facility

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones has tested positive for cocaine metabolites in an out-of-competition drug test prior to this past Saturday’s UFC 182.

Jones took a random drug test back on December 4, and the result of that drug test showed that Jones had benzoylecgonine in his system, which is a cocaine metabolite, and is not banned out of competition by WADA, which the Nevada State Athletic Commission follows.

According to several sources, Jones passed another out-of-competition drug test several days later. The results of Jones’ in-competition drug tests have not yet been revealed, so as of right now, his unanimous decision victory over Daniel Cormier this past Saturday night still stands.

According to Yahoo, Jones has announced that he will be entering a drug-treatment facility. Jones’ statement on the issue is shown below.

“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.”

Jones, 27, is regarded as the unanimous pound-for-pound king, and is one of the most polarizing figures in the UFC. His fight with Daniel Cormier this past Saturday night was fueled by Cormier calling Jones “fake,” which is the opinion of a lot of MMA fans and fighters.

Back in May of 2012, Jones was arrested on DUI charges in Binghampton, New York. He was sentenced to a fine of $1,000 and had his license suspended for six months.

The UFC has released a statement on this issue.

“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.”

UFC president Dana White, who has often butted heads with Jones, also offered a public statement on Jones’ failed drug test, and his decision to enter a drug-treatment facility.

“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.”

[Image via USA Today]