Former longtime UFC light-heavyweight titleholder Jon Jones was officially reinstated for competition today when the organization announced his indefinite suspension has come to an end. 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.
Jones has been on the sidelines since April following his involvement in a hit-and-run incident. Jones was placed on an indefinite suspension after being arrested in connection with the accident. He was then stripped of his light heavyweight title as part of the punishment handed down by the UFC. He reached a plea agreement earlier this month, which cleared the way for him to return to the octagon.
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"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," UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said in a statement. "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 posted a statement on his Facebook page regarding the reinstatement news.
"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. It took me losing almost everything I had worked for to realize how much I had," Jones said.
"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."
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According to ESPN, Jones is expected to challenge current light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier for the title immediately upon his return. The UFC said it is currently "discussing" a potential date with Jones.
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