The results from an out-of-competition drug test prior to UFC 182 are in. The results confirm that UFC’s longest-reigning light heavyweight champion may have a drug addiction problem.
A drug test on Sunday, December 4th, showed that Jon Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine (cocaine metabolite), a substance not banned out-of-competition by WADA. Does this affect Jones’ unanimous decision victory on Saturday night against Daniel Cormier at UFC 182? As of now, no; the in-competition test prior to the event have not been revealed by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Since the NAC follows the same rules as WADA, his win over DC will most likely be upheld.
After the announced results, Jones expressed his apology and stated on Tuesday via Yahoo! that he is entering a drug treatment facility:
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.
The UFC is “disappointed in the failed test”; however, they support the champion’s 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.
