Jones cruised to victory in Baltimore at UFC 172 (Dave Mandel/Sherdog)UFC Officially Reinstates Ex-Champ Jon Jones José Youngs October 23, 2015 News, Spotlight, UFC Following a review of the plea agreement reached by Jon Jones and officials in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the judge’s decision, UFC announced today the formal reinstatement of their former UFC light heavyweight champion to the UFC roster. Effective immediately, Jones is eligible to return to competition. Jones was arrested this past May on felony charge for fleeing the scene of an car accident, which left a 25-year-old pregnant woman with a fractured arm and wrist. The Jackson-Winkeljohn native eventually plead guilty to the charges. As a result, Judge Charles Brown of the Second Judicial District Court of Bernalillo County ordered Jones be given 18 months of supervised probation while also making 72 appearances in vivacious charitable events such as speaking to a Boys And Girls Club. “We’ve made it clear to Jon that this new opportunity to compete in UFC is a privilege and not a right, and that there are significant expectations we have regarding his conduct moving forward,” stated UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta. “We’re happy to read and see reports that he has embraced the terms of his plea agreement and is using this experience to grow and develop as a person.” As far as competition, Jones (21-1) was last seen earning a unanimous decision over bitter rival Daniel Cormier in their main event title fight at UFC 182 early this month. It was not long after all hell broke loose in Jones’ life as it was made public that pre-fight drug test results revealed he had tested positive for cocaine. However, since the Nevada State Athletic Commission follows the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, Jones was not suspended due to the fact the fact cocaine is not considered a banned out-of-competition substance. He was scheduled to defend his title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187. But as a result of Jones’ role in the hit-and-run case, the UFC striped him of his title and suspended him indefinitely. Daniel Cormier was named the replacement against Johnson in the main event, with the now vacant title on the line. Cormier would go on to earn the light heavyweight title. “I am thankful to be able to do what I love once again and I look forward to proving myself as a champion in and outside of the Octagon,” Jones stated.
