UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones failed a drug test prior to this past weekend’s UFC 182 event due to cocaine metabolites and has entered rehab.
MMAjunkie today confirmed the test results with Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett.
Jones (21-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) successfully defended his title for an eighth consecutive time after defeating Daniel Cormier (15-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) via unanimous decision at the Jan. 3 pay-per-view event. He was randomly tested on Dec. 4, and results came back on Dec. 23, Bennett said.
The drug test detected benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine.
“At this point and time, Jones checked himself into a rehab center, and we’ll cross that bridge when he get to it,” Bennett told MMAjunkie when asked of the NSAC’s plans in wake of the failed test.
Jones is ranked No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light-heavyweight rankings, and he’s also No. 1 pound-for-pound. Despite being just 27, the fighter’s four-year title reign has already sparked debate that he’s the greatest fighter in MMA history.
Because benzoylecgonine is not banned out of competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the NSAC could not halt Jones from fighting at UFC 182, which proved to be one of the biggest events in recent MMA history.
Following news of the failed test, the UFC issued the following statement, with no mention of any company-issued punishments:
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.
The company’s president, Dana White, said he’s “proud” of Jones for entering rehab.
“I am proud of Jon Jones for making the decision to enter a drug treatment facility,” he stated. “I’m confident that he’ll emerge from this program like the champion he truly is.”
Results on the NSAC’s fight-week drug testing aren’t yet available.
For more on UFC 182, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
UFC champion Jon Jones tests positive for cocaine, enters rehab | MMAjunkie
Pat BarryVerified account @HypeOrDie COCAINE= 0 FINE,
0 PENALTY,
0 SUSPENSION,
0 FIRED,
0 REPREMANDING
WEED= CAREER CRUCIFIXION,
FINE,
FIRED,
SHUNNED,
OSTRACIZED,
RUINED! ????
