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Jon Jones tests positive for cocaine

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones tested positive for traces of cocaine prior to his eighth title defense last weekend in Las Vegas, according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

NSAC executive director Bob Bennett confirmed to ESPN.com on Tuesday that Jones, 27, tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Jones has informed the NSAC he has admitted himself into a drug treatment center.

“Jones has checked himself into a rehab center,” Bennett said. “And at this time, I would direct any further questions regarding his situation to Mr. Jones or the UFC.”

The urine test sample was collected on Dec. 4 and analyzed by a WADA-approved lab in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jones’ representatives did not immediately respond to request for comment.

“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.”

Jones (20-1) is widely considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He defeated Daniel Cormier via unanimous decision at UFC 182.

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

In May 2012, Jones was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when he drove his car into a telephone pole in New York. He pled guilty to a misdemeanor and was fined $1,000 and had his driver’s license suspended six months.

He became the youngest champion in UFC history in 2011, when the won the title at age 23. His eight consecutive title defenses rank third all-time in UFC history.