Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones spent several days in jail, but had a hearing before a judge on Thursday that, at the least, provided some clarity for his fighting future.
Following the hearing in New Mexico, UFC officials issued a statement that confirms Jones will remain in the UFC 197 main event, where he will challenge Daniel Cormier for the 205-pound belt… with conditions.
“UFC respects the decision made today by Judge Michael E. Martinez in New Mexico Second Judicial District Court regarding the probation terms of the case involving Jon Jones,” read the UFC’s statement.
“The organization was disappointed to learn that Jones was cited for several traffic offenses last week, as well as concerned by the nature and tone of portions of the conversation between Jones and the citing officer. Still, UFC respects Jones’ right to contest those traffic citations in court and receive a fair hearing on the matter.
“Jones’ scheduled bout on April 23 will proceed as planned, however, Jones understands that the UFC expects him to fully cooperate with the terms of his probation as set forth by Judge Martinez.”
The revised terms of Jones’ probation included the requirement that he complete a driver improvement course and an anger management class, as well as 60 additional hours of community service on top of the 72 hours of community service already required by his initial probation.
The judge declined to impose a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew, as requested by the probation department, but added his own stipulation that Jones must not drive at all without his probation officer’s approval.
