UFC Champion Jon Jones Tests Positive For Cocaine, Find Out Why He Was Allowed To Fight

Jon Jones’ incredibly cocky attitude before the big fight last weekend had thousands of fans wishing Daniel Cormier would knock his a** out inside the Octagon. On Saturday night, I felt pretty lonely as a huge supporter of Jon Jones, and today I feel even lonelier. As you have probably heard by now, the UFC light heavyweight champion tested positive for traces of cocaine prior to the big fight.

The Nevada Athletic Commission learned of his positive test a few days before Christmas. Jon Jones has reportedly checked himself into a rehab center to fight this addiction before it ruins his career. The UFC sent out the following statement:

“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.”

And while most people are wishing the champ well, even his enemy Daniel Cormier, who released a brief statement to MMAFighting.com,

“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!”

There are some fans who are livid because Jon Jones was allowed to defend his title Saturday night. They are shocked that he was allowed to fight and that he earned $500,000 for his five-round decision victory. Several fans on Twitter pointed out the fact that boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. didn’t receive this same treatment when it was discovered he smoked marijuana before his fight. He was fined $900,000 (later reduced to $100,000) and received a 9-month suspension.

However, Julio’s positive drug test was administered to him the night of his fight. Jones was tested more than 12 hours before his fight, which means he was considered out-of-competition. That is the major difference between the two. Chavez’s positive test was in-competition and Jones’ was out-of-competition. And there was essentially nothing the commission could do about it. If the UFC tried to prevent him from fighting last weekend, Jones could have easily reversed their decision by seeking an injunction to permit him to fight.