Jon Jones has entered rehab today after testing positive for cocaine last Saturday, ESPN reports.
The 27-year-old American mixed martial artist reportedly tested positive for traces of cocaine prior his eighth title defence match in Las Vegas.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission confirmed the news on Tuesday and revealed that Jon Jones specifically tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine which is banned only in competition.
Since testing positive, Jones took to himself to enter a rehab facility.
"Jones has checked himself into a rehab center," NSAC executive director Bob Bennett said. "And at this time, I would direct any further questions regarding his situation to Mr. Jones or the UFC."
Despite tainting his name as a light heavyweight champion, the result of Jones' match against Daniel Cormier will stand.
"We support UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones' decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue," UFC said of their decision.
"While we are disappointed in the failed test, we applaud him for making this decision to enter a drug treatment facility," UFC added. "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."
Amid the scandal, Jon Jones has issued a public apology via his attorney to his family, especially to his fiancee, his children, father, mother an brothers.
"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," he told Yahoo! Sports in a statement.
"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 added in the statement.
Meanwhile, Jon Jones' former training partner, a veteran fighter turned commentator Brian Stann reminded fans that UFC fighters are also humans, reports MMA Fighting.
"In my eyes as an analyst and being that it's out of competition, no," Stann said. "I don't think there's a whole lot of performance enhancement speaking of cocaine. I mean obviously he didn't take it right before the fight."
"I think obviously this is going to hurt his image and a lot of the other things he has going on outside of the Octagon for his brand, but this is an opportunity for him to do what's best for him and his family right now."
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