The UFC have today officially announced that they have lifted the suspension on former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones, paving the way for him to return to the Octagon.
The organization stripped the 28 year-old of his 205lb title and suspended him back in April after Jones was arrested in relation to a hit and run incident in Alberquerque, New Mexico.
At one stage it seemed possible that Jones may face time behind bars for the incident which left a pregnant woman with a broken arm, but in late September he agreed to a plea deal to avoid a felony charge, pleading guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and accepting 18 months of supervised probation in addition to 70hrs of community service.
That ruling has now led to the UFC announcing their decision to bring Jones back to the Octagon along with a statement from UFC CEO lorenzo Fertitta.
“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,” Fertitta said. “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.”
Jones, who’s began posting again on social media since his plea deal, also issued a brief statement.
“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 said.
The UFC have said they are now discussing a potential date for his return which is likely to be a title rematch with current champion Daniel Cormier.
