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Jon Jones fails random drug test for cocaine and checks himself into rehab

By on January 6, 2015

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The world of MMA was under a state of shock this evening as news broke that light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has checked himself into a rehab facility following the failure of a random out of competition Nevada athletic commission drug test for cocaine prior to his latest title defence over Daniel Cormier last Saturday.

The news was first reported by Yahoo‘s Kevin Iole.

Benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite in cocaine, is the precise substance found in Jones’ system but is not banned out-of-competition under WADA rules. Therefore Jones was allowed to fight and was not banned or fined for the failure. According to Iole, Jones passed a follow-up test.

Speaking to Yahoo through his attorney Jones said in a statement: “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.”

Jones was due to defend his title later this year against the winner of the upcoming Fox headliner between Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony Johnson. Now, that has been thrown up in the air with no known date for Jones’ recovery.

UFC president Dana White told ‘America’s Pregame’ on Fox Sports

“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.”

Keep it locked to SevereMMA for all updates.

Podcaster, lead MMA writer and analyst for SevereMMA. Host of the SevereMMA podcast, out every Sunday. Economics and Mathematics graduate from UCC. Also write for Sherdog. Previously of hov-mma and fightbooth. As heard on 2FM, Red FM, Today FM and more. Follow me on twitter for updates @SeanSheehanBA and on Facebook Facebook.com/seansheehanmma
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