The UFC has formally reinstated former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. It has been the best part of a year since the 28-year-old last fought, a unanimous decision win over Daniel Comier.
Jones was stripped of the title and suspended by the promotion following a hit and run incident which occurred in April of this year. He recently stood before a judge and reached a plea agreement which meant he avoided jail time.
The UFC released the following statement with quotes from Jones and Lorenzo Fertitta via their website:
Following a review of the plea agreement reached by Jon Jones and officials in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the judge’s decision, UFC announced today the formal reinstatement of Jones to the UFC roster. 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.
UFC is currently discussing with Jones a potential date for his return to the Octagon.
“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,” said UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta. “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.”
“I am thankful to be able to do what I love once again and I look forward to proving myself as a champion in and outside of the Octagon,” Jones said.