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Jon Jones Fails Drug Test

UFC light-heavyweight champion found positive for traces of cocaine.

He's the face of the UFC and one of the toughest men on the planet. But he is admitting he needs help.

UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones tested positive for traces of cocaine before his win over Daniel Cormier this past Saturday, according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, as reported by ESPN. The Athletic Commission's executive director, Bob Bennett, confirmed with ESPN that Jones tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, and is currently in rehab. 

"With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility. I want to apologize to my fiancée, my children, as well as my mother, father, and brothers for the mistake that I made," Jones's statement to the media, including ESPN, read. "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."

The UFC is standing by Jones's move to check into rehab.

"We support UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones's decision to enter a drug treatment facility to address his recent issue," the UFC said in a statement to ESPN. "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."

Added UFC president Dana White: "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."

Jones, 27, has a career record of 20-1 and is a large reason for the UFC and mixed martial arts being as popular as it is today. Since the positive drug test was considered out of competition, it won't alter Jones's win over Cormier this past weekend. 

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(Photo: Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

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