Things are going downhill fast for Jon “Bones” Jones.
The UFC light heavyweight champion and brother of New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones has been stripped of his title and suspended indefinitely from the sport, UFC president Dana White announced Tuesday.
Jones is facing a felony charge in Albuquerque, N.M., after he allegedly was involved in a hit-and-run incident Sunday morning. According to reports, Jones ran a red light and struck a 25-year-old pregnant woman before grabbing a wad of cash from his SUV and fleeing the scene.
In a statement Tuesday, UFC said the suspension will “allow Jones time to focus on his pending legal matters” after his violation of the Athlete Code of Conduct policy.
“UFC feels strongly that its athletes must uphold certain standards both in and out of the Octagon,” the statement read. “While there is disappointment in the recent charges, the organization remains supportive of Jones as he works through the legal process.”
The 27-year-old took to Twitter to apologize late Tuesday night.
[tweet https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/593235515274432512 align=’center’]
Jones was scheduled to defend his light heavyweight title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 on Memorial Day weekend. Now, Johnson will fight No. 3 contender Daniel Cormier for a shot at the championship.
Jones also was fined $25,000 and entered a treatment facility in January after a failed December drug test found traces of cocaine.
Thumbnail photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Images
