Jones' plea to a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury was entered in New Mexico district court. He will avoid jail time and serve up to 18 months of supervised probation under his plea agreement made before Judge Charles Brown in Albuquerque on Tuesday.
Jon JonesBack in April, Jones ran a red light while driving a rental SUV in Albuquerque, striking another vehicle. According to witnesses, Jones then fled on foot, but returned soon after to collect cash from the vehicle. Officers responding to the accident found a pipe with marijuana in the SUV.
A woman in the other car was sent to the hospital with a broken arm.
Jones' defense attorney said in court that the fighter had tried to make the situation right with the injured woman, claiming the woman had fully recovered from her accident-related injuries. In addition, the attorney told the court that Jones turned himself in to authorities to comply with an arrest warrant after the accident.
Shortly after his arrest, the UFC stripped Jones of his light heavyweight title and suspended him from fighting.
"With regards to today's decision made by the court, I am very happy to now be able to put this incident behind me," Jones said in a statement after sentencing. "My actions have caused pain and inconvenience in the lives of others and for that I am truly sorry and I accept full responsibility. I have been working hard during this time away from my sport to grow and mature as a man and to ensure that nothing like this happens again. I have learned a great deal from this situation and I am determined to emerge a better person because of it. I apologize to those who were affected by my actions in this incident and I am hopeful that I will be given the opportunity to redeem myself in the eyes of the public, my family and friends as well as my supporters. I am not sure what the future holds for me but I plan to continue to do the work needed to be productive and successful in every aspect of my life."
The UFC also issued a statement regarding Jones which said, "The UFC organization is aware that Jon Jones reached a plea agreement with authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico this morning stemming from charges associated with a motor vehicle accident earlier this year. As a result, UFC, through Las Vegas-based law firm Campbell & Williams, will thoroughly review the agreement before discussing Jones' possible reinstatement to return to competition."
Jones launched his mixed martial arts career in April 2008, compiling a 21-1 overall record. Prior to entering MMA, Jones was a New York State wrestling champ for Union-Endicott High School. He won a NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) title while at Iowa Central Community College.
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