UFC light heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones tested positive for cocaine prior to defending his title at UFC 182. The drug test detected benzoylecgonine, which is the primary metabolite of cocaine.
Because benzoylecgonine is not banned out of competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the Nevada State Athletic Commission could not ban Jones from fighting in this past Saturday's main event against Daniel Cormier. In the wake of the positive test, Jones will enter a rehab facility.
Shorty after the annoucenment of the NSAC's finding, the Ultimate Fighting Championship released the following statement:
We support UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue. 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.
The exact date of Jones' next title defense had not been determined prior to today's news, but it was announced "Bones" would face the winner of the January 25th bout between Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony Johnson.
