Jon Jones Speaks About Drug Test: ‘I Don’t Have a Drug Problem’

UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has spoken out about his failed drug test, stating: "I don't have a drug problem; I just got caught."

Jones, who defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 182, tested positive for a metabolite for cocaine prior to his match. Since he was considered out-of-competition at the time of the drug test, Jones was not punished. However, Jones made the decision to check into a rehabilitation facility, where he only stayed one night.

Now, Jones has spoken out about the failed drug test and his short stint at the treatment center in an exclusive interview with Charissa Thompson of FOX Sports Live.

According to Jones, UFC president Dana White had called him with his drug test results. Jones stated that he knew his test would come back negative and was not shocked when that had happened.

"It was a nerve-wracking day. I knew that I did something wrong. I knew the test would show that. I didn't tell anyone. Not even my own coaches knew that I was possibly dirty for a drug test. I kept it very private," Jones said. "I knew that the test would come out positive. I knew there was nothing I could do about it. I was stressed out about it, but I thought I would just focus on what I could control and that was the fight."

Jones, 27, had gone out partying with his friends during training camp and used cocaine. Jones stated that he was first introduced to cocaine in college. He added that although he has used the drug, he did not consider himself a frequent user. When asked if he has tried other drugs, Jones did not give a direct answer.

Jones was tested on Dec. 4 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission a day after partying.

"I'm not here to make excuses for what happened. I did it," Jones said. "Basically at a party, and I think a coward would sit here and come up with this elaborate reason or try to blame something. I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to blame my friends. I'm not going to blame pressure or stress or anything. What I will say is I messed up. It wasn't a mistake. I can't call it a mistake because I consciously did it."

After the test results were released, Jones and his team decided that entering a rehabilitation center would be a wise decision. Although Jones stated that he is not a recreational drug user, his team stated, "we don't know if you have a drug problem or not and, listen, how about you go to rehab and let them decide on how healthy you are or not.'"

Jones revealed that over the course of his one-day stay, three doctors had evaluated his condition and concluded that he was healthy enough to receive outpatient care. Jones stated that he would have stayed longer if the doctors recommended that course of action.

"This whole situation has been really embarrassing. I had to explain to so many people that I'm not a cocaine addict by any means or not even a frequent user. I just made a really dumb decision and got caught with my pants down in this whole situation. No excuse for it. I can just apologize," Jones said.

Jones finished the interview apologizing to his fans, family and team.