Just days after defending his light heavyweight championship, news has come out that Jon Jones failed a UFC 182 pre-fight drug test due to cocaine metabolites and will enter a drug treatment facility.
A random test was given to Jones on December 4 and according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine.
Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett told MMAJunkie.com, “At this point and time, Jones checked himself into alcohol and drug rehab center, and we’ll cross that bridge when he get to it.”
Jones (21-1) is widely considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He has defended the 205-pound title eight times and is riding a twelve-fight winning streak dating back to 2010. The lone blemish on his record is a DQ loss against Matt Hamill.
The UFC made 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.”
UFC President Dana White is proud of Jones for making the decision to enter the 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.”
Keep it locked to MMASucka.com for more on Jones as it arises.
