UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones joins UFC veterans Melvin Guillard, Chris Leben, Adam Smith, Carter Williams and Rico Rodriguez as the only fighters to test positive for cocaine use in a pre or post-fight drug test. Earlier today (January 6, 2015), the Champion announced that he has entered a drug rehabilitation facility for treatment. Coming off his impressive unanimous decision victory over Daniel Cormier at this past Saturday night’s UFC 182, this is the worst thing that could have happened to him. This news has startled the MMA community, even considering the fact that many were aware of his off-screen party animal persona. Yahoo! Sports initially broke the story earlier today. Cormier was reached for a statement, but initially declined to comment. However, the UFC released a public statement on the matter:
“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.”
UFC President Dana White also gave Jones his support publicly:
“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.”
It is interesting to see them pour so much support behind Jones for testing positive for cocaine, considering they have been heavily strict towards fighters testing for marijuana in recent years. Makes you wonder what their reaction would have been had it not been a fighter who “moves the needle” like Jones, a pound-for-pound great, does. At the moment, I am mostly interested in what the result of his post-fight drug test is, considering the pre-fight test is the one he has been popped for. As more develops, this has been yet another story that does not make Jones look good in the eyes of fans. Update: Daniel Cormier has provided a statement on the situation (via MMAFighting)
“I am aware of Jon’s test and if there is anything to say it is this: there are a lot of people you impact, so please let’s get it together. Good luck on your rehab!”