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News coming out of the UFC is that they have decided to strip Jon Jones of the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The suspension period is an indefinite one for now and he 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," President Dana White said on Fox Sports Tuesday night.
Jones turned himself in after issue of warrant
After he allegedly fled a three-car accident Sunday morning which left a pregnant woman with a broken arm, police were on the hunt for finding Jones. Marijuana was found in a rental car at the scene, along with documentation with Jones' name on it. An off-duty police officer, who happened to be a UFC fan, identified him on the spot.
Jones turned himself in after the warrant against his name was issued and was released on $2,500 bail. Because he caused injury to the other driver, his charge was upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony. According to Albuquerque police, Jones isn't facing drug charges, but that could change.
End of a historic title defence
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.
Jones tweeted the following:
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.
