The UFC has released a statement on Jon Jones’ arrest this week over last week’s traffic stop, confirming that his UFC 197 fight with Daniel Cormier will go on as planned following his Thursday release.
Here’s the full statement:
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.
Jones and Cormier meet for a second time in Jones’ first fight since being stripped of the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Jones won the first fight at UFC 182 in January of last year.
Penick’s Analysis: This entire situation this week has been disappointing, but the UFC didn’t need to take the drastic move of actually pulling Jones from UFC 197. It wouldn’t have done them any good, and it would have been an over-reaction to the alleged infraction, especially with his vehement denials and vow to fight the citations. He’s gotten his extra punishment this week, and it’s time to move forward.
[Photo (c) Jayne Kamin-Oncea via USA Today Sports]
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