UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones has checked himself into rehab after testing positive for cocaine.
Considered the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter in the world, Jones failed a random drug test last month that detected traces of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
This substance isn't banned by the Nevada Athletic Commission for out-of-competition use, so Jones wasn't penalised or suspended and his victory over Daniel Cormier on the weekend in Las Vegas will be upheld.
"With the support of my family, I have entered into a drug treatment facility," Jones, 27, said in a statement on Wednesday.
"I want to apologise to my fiancee, my children, as well as my mother, father, and brothers for the mistake that I made.
"I also want to apologise to the UFC, my coaches, my sponsors and equally important to my fans."
The UFC commended the move and looked forward to Jones emerging from the program as a better man.
"While we are disappointed in the failed test, we applaud him for making this decision," it said in a statement.
"Jon is a strong, courageous fighter inside the Octagon, and we expect him to fight this issue with the same poise and diligence."
