Jon Jones Issues Statement on UFC Return, Embraces New Chapter in His Life
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was reinstated by the UFC on Friday. Shortly thereafter, he issued a statement via his Facebook page, letting everyone know that the best portion of his career is yet to come.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to resume my career and I am excited to show how much I've grown as a person outside of the octagon,” said Jones.
“It took me losing almost everything I had worked for to realize how much I had. I am blessed and humbled by the continued support of the MMA community and I can't thank my fans enough for their unwavering support through my ups and downs.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life and my career and let me assure you, the best is yet to come.”
RELATED > UFC Officially Reinstates Jon Jones
Jones was suspended and stripped of his UFC belt following his involvement in a hit-and-run accident in Albuquerque, N.M., on April 27, 2015. He faced a felony charge of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm or Death.
Jones ran a red light and smashed his rented SUV into a car, which, in turn, smashed into another car. The driver of the car he smashed into suffered a fractured arm and wrist. Jones then fled the scene on foot, reportedly without so much as checking to see if anyone was injured.
The 28-year-old stripped champion entered into a plea deal with the prosecution, which subjects him to 18 months of supervised probation and requires him to make 72 speaking appearances with youth groups and at local schools in New Mexico.
Following a third party investigation, the UFC issued a statement on Friday reinstating Jones. He is expected to get an immediate title shot upon his return, but the UFC said it is currently discussing when and where Jones will fight when he gets back in the Octagon.
“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 Jones to the UFC roster,” read the UFC's statement on Friday. “Effective immediately, Jones is eligible to return to competition. As such, UFC expects Jones to meet all of the terms of his plea agreement, including mandatory community service, as a condition of his reinstatement.
“UFC is currently discussing with Jones a potential date for his return to the Octagon.”
(Video Courtesy of MMAFilms)
