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Jones: defended his title against Cormier with a unanimous decision win. AP/Press Association Images
Failed Test

UFC champion Jon Jones tests positive for cocaine, enters rehab facility

Jones tested positive four weeks before his grudge match against Daniel Cormier.

UFC LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT champion Jon Jones has entered into a drug treatment facility after it emerged that he tested positive for traces of cocaine ahead of his title fight with Daniel Cormier.

Yahoo Sports broke the news that Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite in cocaine, in an out-of-competition test on 4 December.

Under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, benzoylecgonine is not banned out-of-competition and therefore the Nevada State Athletic Commission could not prevent Jones from facing Cormier in their much-hyped grudge match last weekend.

Jones won the eighth defence of his reign by unanimous decision before announcing on Tuesday that he has sought treatment.

“We support UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue,” the UFC said in a statement.

“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.”

President Dana White added: “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.”

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