Jon Jones Issues Statement On Guilty Plea In Hit & Run Case

“The UFC organization is aware that Jon Jones reached a plea agreement with authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico this morning stemming form charges associated with a motor vehicle accident earlier this year”.

The controversial 28-year-old appeared remorseful as he apologized to the court, the victim, the officers, and for “embarrassing” his supporters before pleading guilty to one count of leaving the scene of an accident, a fourth degree felony. With the guilty plea, Jones avoided jail time and was sentenced to 18 months’ probation. Jones does not have to pay any fines or fees, but he has been ordered to make 72 appearances at charity or youth outreach programs.

Jones ran a red light and smashed his rented SUV into a vehicle, which, in turn, smashed into another auto.

“In light of recent events, we have made the decision to terminate our contract with Jon Jones, effective immediately”, the company said in an email after the accident. Jones originally faced a maximum of 18 months of jail, but received a significantly lesser sentence. Jones’ attorney, Vincent Ward, said that Sonnenburg has dealt with no lingering issues as a result of the injury.

Jones is regarded by many as the greatest MMA fighter of all time and his return would be a welcome fillip for a sport which has enjoyed a fruitful year in 2015. “I hope you guys can give me the opportunity to redeem myself”.

UFC president Dana White, who was present at the hearing, also released a statement regarding Jones’ status with the mixed martial arts company. No problem. Although the rivalry isn’t as in depth, fans have been patiently waiting for a rematch between Jones, and Gustafsson ever since the Swedish star brought “Bones” to his limit in a five-round 2013 war, in which the former champion edged out a close fought decision victory.

Jones was scheduled to defend his title against Anthony Johnson on May 23 before having the belt stripped.

Before all of this happened, Jones’s plan was to finish clearing out the light heavyweights before moving up to heavyweight and taking on superfights. Of course the fight company would jump at the chance to have him back in the mix, and would make him one of its highest-paid athletes the moment the two sides agreed to put pen to paper.

While Jones remains suspended from the UFC, it is inevitable that he will be back inside the octagon sooner rather than later.