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UFC champ Jon Jones tests positive for drug

    by Vaughn Johnson
    Published 

UFC champ Jones tests positive for drug

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones reportedly tested positive for traces of cocaine a few weeks before his title defense last weekend, according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

NSAC executive director Bob Bennett told ESPN.com on Tuesday that Jones, 27, tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Bennett also said Jones said he has admitted himself to a drug treatment center.

Jones' urine test sample was collected on Dec. 4, well in advance of Jones' successful title defense against Daniel Cormier on Saturday in Las Vegas.

The test was considered an out-of-competition test, and benzoylecgonine is only banned in-competition. As a result, Jones' victory over Cormier will stand.

"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, according to ESPN.com. "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."

Jones (20-1) is generally considered the best pound-for-pound mixed martial arts fighter in the world. He beat Cormier on a unanimous decision.

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