UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones entered a drug treatment facility, the mixed martial arts promotion company announced on Tuesday. Jones, 27, tested positive for traces of cocaine on Dec. 4 ahead of his successful title defense against Daniel Cormier on Jan. 3, the Nevada State Athletic Commission told ESPN.
"With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility," Jones said in a statement released to Yahoo Sports through his attorney. "I want to apologize to my fiancee, 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, widely regarded as UFC's top pound-for-pound fighter, defeated Cormier by unanimous decision at UFC 182. It was his eighth consecutive title defense since he became the youngest ever UFC champion at age 23 in 2011.
"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. "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."