Hard to imagine such a dire thing would happen just after one of the most monumental weekends for the UFC, but unfortunately, the champ has tested dirty. On Saturday, January 3rd, Jon Jones (21-1) defeated Daniel Cormier (15-1) to retain the light heavyweight championship. After putting on an impressive performance and one that could solidify his place in mixed martial arts history, there may now be an asterisk next to the UFC 182 championship. While he did not test positive for steroids, HGH, adderall, weed or many of the things we are used to seeing in the sport he has tested positive for cocaine. It was first reported by Kevin Lole from Yahoo Sports who announced that Jones was checking into a rehab facility.

On December 4th, the Nevada Athletic Committee randomly drug tested Jones and he tested positive for benzoylecgonine, which is the main metabolite for cocaine. In a strange and somewhat jaded commission, since the test was deemed “out of competition” he was allowed to fight Cormier even though they knew the results. There was a follow up test conducted later in the month that Jones passed. While the commission has addressed the matter and said they will look into a out of competition drug testing at its upcoming meeting it will still put a stale light on the sport allowing him to compete knowing this had happen.

The following is a statement released to Yahoo Sports from Jones attorney:

“With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility,” he said. “I want to apologize to my fiancée, 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.”

UFC President Dana White had this to say:

“I am proud of Jon Jones for making the decision to enter a drug treatment facility,” White said. “I’m confident that he’ll emerge from this program like the champion he truly is.”

The UFC released a statement in support of Jones:

“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.”

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports.

For fans of both him and the sport, this is truly a disappointing scenario. There will be many eyes on White and the UFC in regards to this in the upcoming weeks as we have seen what White has done to fighters that have tested positive for those things mentioned before. What really begs the question is during the post fight press conference, Jones constantly remarked about a change in his future. He spoke of moving to Albuquerque to be closer to his gym and second family, his teammates. He mentioned some changes in his diet and training and how he promises to be a better man and fighter leading into 2015. Was his apologetic reasoning just a precursor for what was released today? Only time will tell and while this will not deter the momentum of the UFC with two more huge pay-per-views on the horizon, it will no doubt be an unfortunate black eye on a sport that many already feel has no place in society already.