Jon Jones. AFP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Days after retaining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight title, Jon “Bones” Jones announced Wednesday (Manila time) that he would enter a drug rehabilitation facility.
In a report from Bleacher Report, Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine in his system on the December 4 drug test for UFC 182 against Daniel Cormier.
Benzoylecgonine is a main component of cocaine.
Jones’ attorney released a statement to Yahoo’s Kevin Iole where the champion apologized for the people around him and that he would take the program seriously.
“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,” Jones said.
UFC expressed, through its website, that they support the decision of one the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time.
The league said that Jones would finish the program with great poise and come back strong.
“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 league said.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission could not penalize Jones as benzoylecgonine is not banned for competition and the Jones-Cormier title fight was still pushed through on Sunday (Manila time) without any hitches.
Jones beat Cormier for his eighth title defense, two matches away from the record of UFC legend Anderson Silva’s record.
Cormier wished the champion luck for his program.
“I am aware of Jon’s test and if there is anything to say it is this: there are a lot of people you impact, so please let’s get it together. Good luck on your rehab!” Cormier told Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com
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