Jon Jones checks into drug treatment facility after failed test

UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones has checked himself into a drug treatment facility after testing positive for benzoylecgonine prior to his fight with Daniel Cormier at UFC 182.

Benzoylecgonine is the primary metabolite of cocaine.

Jones released the following statement via Yahoo Sports:

With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility. I want to apologize to my fiancee, 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. 

Although the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) was reportedly aware of Jones' failed test on Dec. 23, it was unable to prevent him from competing on Jan. 3 because benzoylecgonine is not banned out-of-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The NAC follows WADA's code. 

"At this point and time, Jones checked himself into a rehab center, and we'll cross that bridge when he get to it," NAC executive director Bob Bennett told MMAjunkie, when asked about how he plans on handling the situation.

The UFC and company president Dana White have released a pair of statements regarding the unfolding situation.

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.

STATEMENT FROM DANA WHITE, UFC PRESIDENT

I am proud of Jon Jones for making the decision to enter a drug treatment facility. I’m confident that he’ll emerge from this program like the champion he truly is.