UFC Champion Jon Jones Tests Positive for Cocaine, Goes to Rehab

UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, will be headed for a drug treatment center after testing positive for cocaine.

Jones has issued a statement via his attorney to Yahoo! Sports. It read:

"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."

"I am proud of Jon Jones for making the decision to enter a drug treatment facility," UFC President Dana White said. "I'm confident that he'll emerge from this program like the champion he truly is."

The 27-year-old was subjected to a random urine drug test in Las Vegas by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Dec. 4. His test results came back positive for the main metabolite of cocaine, benzoylecgonine. Since benzoylecgonine is not listed as a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines under out-of-competition use, Jones (21-1) was able to fight in the main event of UFC 182 at the MGM Grand Garden where he defeated Daniel Cormier.

Although the champion was not suspended or penalized prior to his match, the Nevada commission could still impose disciplinary measures. However, the commission has not indicated any plans to punish Jones.

The UFC Statement read:

"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."

Reebok, who signed with Jones roughly a month ago, also supported the fighter. The company wrote:

"We commend Jon for taking the necessary steps to address this issue, and we will support him in any way we can. The status of Jon's relationship with Reebok has not changed."

Jones was reportedly drug tested on the night of the fight. The results from that test have not come back yet.