Jon Jones Suspended And Stripped Of UFC Light Heavyweight Title, Replacement UFC 187 Fight Set
After days of speculation, the UFC has decided to strip Jon Jones of the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. He'll be suspended indefinitely and is out of his UFC 187 fight with Anthony "Rumble" Johnson next month. Daniel Cormier will replace him to crown a new champion.
"It's not fun, but you know what they say: the show goes on. Obviously he has to focus on his legal matters right now," UFC President Dana White said on Fox Sports Tuesday night.
Police were searching for Jones after he allegedly fled a three-car accident Sunday morning which left a pregnant woman with a broken arm. Marijuana was found in a rental car at the scene, along with documentation with Jones' name on it. He was identified by an off-duty police officer, who happened to be a UFC fan.
Once a warrant was issued, Jones turned himself into authorities, and was released on $2,500 bail. His charge was upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony due to the injury to the other driver. According to Albuquerque police, Jones isn't facing drug charges, but that could change.
UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, UFC President Dana White, and UFC COO Lawrence Epstein all made the trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico to speak with Jon Jones and his attorney on Tuesday. Jones hoped to return to training after the incident, and a when he appeared in court Tuesday, no restrictions were put on his travel, which allowed him to stay on the card. The UFC had other plans, and subsequently stripped and suspended him.
This ends Jones' historic UFC Light Heavyweight title reign, which saw 8 successful title defenses.
The UFC issued a statement Tuesday night on the matter.
UFC announced that it has suspended Jon Jones indefinitely and stripped him of the light heavyweight title as a result of violations of the organization's Athlete Code of Conduct Policy. Jones was recently arrested in Albuquerque, N.M. on a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury. As a result of the charge and other violations of the Athlete Code of Conduct Policy, the organization believes it is best to allow Jones time to focus on his pending legal matters.
UFC feels strongly that its athletes must uphold certain standards both in and out of the Octagon. While there is disappointment in the recent charges, the organization remains supportive of Jones as he works through the legal process.
With this decision, UFC has determined that No. 1 contender Anthony Johnson will now fight No. 3 contender Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight championship at UFC 187 on May 23 in Las Vegas.
Jones posted the following on Twitter:
Got a lot of soul searching to do. Sorry to everyone I've let down.
? Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) April 29, 2015
UPDATE: We've had several people asking if Jones could get off the hook with a payoff, that does not seem to be the case.
@SeanRossSapp State brings the charges. She can refuse to testify, but they have proof. If he's in rehab, State can decide not to prosecute
? Lesley (@_lesleym_) April 29, 2015