The reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has entered rehab after testing positive for cocaine.
A drugs test before his successful title fight in Las Vegas on Saturday showed traces of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The news was confirmed by the Nevada State Athletic Commissionn executive director, Bob Bennett.
“Jones has checked himself into a rehab centre,” Bennett told ESPN. “And at this time, I would direct any further questions regarding his situation to Mr Jones or the UFC.”
The sample was collected on 4 December, and was considered out of competition, which means Jones’s victory over Daniel Cormier on Saturday will stand.
Jones apologised to his friends and family over the incident. “With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility. I want to apologise to my fiancee, my children, as well as my mother, father, and brothers for the mistake that I made,” the statement read. “I also want to apologise 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.”
The UFC backed Jones, who became the youngest world champion in UFC history at the age of 23. “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. “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.”
Jones’s main sponsor, Reebok, say they will continue to support Jones.
