UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has found himself in more controversy.
The 27-year-old failed a pre-fight drug test leading up to his UFC 182 title defense against Daniel Cormier. According to Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) Executive Director Bob Bennett, Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a primary metabolite of cocaine. The news was first reported by MMA Junkie.
The test was conducted on Dec. 4 and the results came back on Dec. 23. However, Jones was allowed to compete against Cormier because benzoylecgonine is not a substance that is banned out of competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Bennett stated that Jones has checked himself into a rehabilitation facility and that the commission would address the situation in the future.
Jones has been a lightning rod for controversy during his career. The New York-native was arrested in May of 2012 for driving under the influence after driving his Bentley Continental GT into a pole in Binghamton, N.Y. He pled guilty to the charges and lost his license for six moths.
The fighter has also had numerous social media gaffes, including posting nude videos, making homophobic slurs and claiming his phone had been stolen.
In the lead-up to his fight with Cormier, the pair engaged in an altercation at the MGM Grand during a UFC 178 pre-fight press event. The pair clashed heads, prompting Cormier to push Jones away. Jones responded by throwing a punch and tackling Cormier to the ground. The melee cost Jones $50,000 and 40 hours of community service from the NSAC.
Jones defeated Cormier on Saturday, Jan. 3 in Las Vegas via unanimous decision.
The UFC issued the following statement regarding the failed test:
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.