Jon Jones is no longer the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight champion.
UFC President Dana White made an appearance on "FOX Sports Live" earlier this evening (April 28, 2015) to address
Jones' arrest on Monday night for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run accident.
The UFC champion was charged with "leaving the scene of an accident," on Monday, a felony offense
because a pregnant woman involved in the crash was injured. That charge can result in a penalty up to three years in prison.
White announced that the champion was stripped of his UFC light heavyweight title, due to his arrest on Monday evening and felony charge.
"Obviously, he's very disappointed," White said,
who traveled to Albuquerque, N.M., earlier this afternoon to break the bad news. "He wanted to go down as one of the greats, but it was the decision we had to make."
UFC also issued this statement:
"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."
In addition to stripping Jones of his 205-pound belt, the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) league has suspended one of its brightest stars indefinitely pending the outcome of his latest legal situation ...
and soul-searching.
Jones made an appearance in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court on Tuesday afternoon, but a plea was not entered. A 60-day rule date has been set and Jones $2,500 bail was continued, pending he follows the conditions of this release, which includes no drugs or alcohol. The District Attorney now has two months to decide whether or not to go in front of a grand jury and indict Jones.
The UFC light heavyweight champion posted bail on Monday evening only a few hours after being booked at The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. Jones surrendered to the Albuquerque Police Department after they issued a warrant for his arrest on Monday evening.
White was asked by Kenny Florian on Tuesday's episode of UFC Tonight about the guidelines for when Jones could return.
"Obviously, Jon has to focus on his pending legal matters and we will see how this thing plays out," White said, who also mentioned this is the first time a fighter has been stripped of a title under the UFC's "Code of Conduct" policy.
Of course, that announcement means Jones will no longer compete against Anthony Johnson in the main event of UFC 187, which takes place next month on Memorial Day weekend. In its place, Johnson will battle Daniel Cormier for the now-vacant title.
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