Top 5 Forum Threads of the Week: A Champion’s Fall

Jon Jones checked into rehab following a positive drug test. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The Jon Jones ship ran aground on Jan. 6, when it was revealed the reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight titleholder had tested positive for cocaine prior to his showdown with Daniel Cormier in the UFC 182 main event.

Widely regarded as the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighter, Jones retained his title with a unanimous decision over Cormier on Jan. 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It looked like just another jewel in the crown of the man they call “Bones,” who has rattled off 12 straight wins, eight of them successful title defenses. Days later, however, Yahoo Sports reported that Jones had entered drug rehab after failing a Nevada Athletic Commission-administered drug test on Dec. 4. The substance in question was benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite in cocaine. Since benzoylecgonine is not a banned out-of-competition substance, the NAC was not able to prevent Jones from competing against Cormier.

“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,” a UFC-issued statement read. “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’ positive drug test and decision to enter rehab were points of interest on the Sherdog.net forums this week:

* ‘BONES’ KNOWS REHAB
* PLACE IN HISTORY
* WARNING ISSUED
* ‘SHOWTIME’ DOPPLEGANGER
* BLAZING SADDLES