Wednesday 7 January 2015 10:31, UK
Jon Jones has tested positive for cocaine and has checked himself into a drug rehabilitation clinic.
The UFC light-heavyweight champion, considered one of the sport's all-time greats, was found with benzoylecgonine (the main metabolite in cocaine) in his system in an out-of-competition urine test prior to his January 3 fight.
The test by the Nevada State Athletic Commission was undertaken on December 4 and although Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the substance is not banned out of competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency. He was therefore not required to withdraw from his fight.
Jones’ in-competition results have yet to be released.
The 27-year-old went on to successfully defend his championship against Daniel Cormier last weekend, a result which is not affected by his out-of-competition test.
The UFC issued 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.”
