Daniel Cormier lands a solid right to the face of Jon Jones during their fight at UFC 182 last January. AP FILE PHOTO
Fight fans can now heave a huge sigh of relief, as ex-light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ bout against Daniel Cormier will go on as planned in the main event of UFC 197, amidst Jones’ probation violation case for an alleged ‘drag racing’ incident last week.
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The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) released a statement via mixed martial arts website, MMAfighting.com, on Thursday (Friday, Manila time), saying it was “disappointed” by Jones’ latest legal issue, but the show will in fact keep its main event:
“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.
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 28-year-old, however, won’t leave unscathed since New Mexico’s Second Judicial District Court ordered Jones to attend driver improvement and anger management courses as payment for his infractions.
Apart from a court mandated 60 hours of community service, “Bones” will need permission from his probation officer to drive any vehicle at all times, as a result of the violation.
Once the MMA star completes his 12 months of his probation without incident, the guilty plea for the felony charge will be wiped off his record.
Jones will appear before an Albuquerque judge at an April 5 hearing. Khristian Ibarrola, INQUIRER.net