A few days from his victory in the octagon, Jon "Bones" Jones is on his way to a new fight. The UFC champion has announced that he has admitted himself to a rehabilitation center to help him battle a drug problem.
The announcement came a few days after Jones successfully defended his title from Daniel Cormier with a unanimous decision in UFC 182, reported Yahoo. Jones failed a random drug test conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission before his fight. He tested positive for traces of benzoylecgonine, a main ingredient in cocaine.
The test was conducted on Dec. 4 and the lab results came out on Dec. 23. As such, it is considered as an out-of-competition test. Under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, benzoylecgonine is not banned out-of-competition and the Nevada commission was then unable to stop Jones from pushing through with his fight.
This would also mean that the results of his match against Cormier would remain, noted ESPN. UFC has also not made any official statement if Jones' titles would be stripped off.
Jones has already entered a drug treatment facility and has informed the NSAC of his decision to do so. NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett confirmed this and said, "Jones has checked himself into a rehab center. And at this time, I would direct any further questions regarding his situation to Mr. Jones or the UFC."
Following the news of his rehab treatment, Jones released a statement through his attorney, which said, "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 I made."
The no. 1 pound-for-pound fighter also apologized to his coaching team, the UFC and fans, while promising to take the treatment "very seriously."
UFC also issued a statement in light of the situation. Its statement read, "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 also expressed pride in Jones' decision through a statement, said MMA Junkie. "I am proud of Jon Jones for making the decision to enter a drug treatment facility," said White. He added, "I'm confident that he'll emerge from this program like the champion he truly is."
Meanwhile, Brandon Gibson, Jones' striking coach, also expressed his support for the UFC fighter, noted ESPN. "I'll be there for my friend through this challenging time. I'll help him recover and do it for his family. Whatever he needs from me as a friend, I'll be there to support him."
