Jon Jones Is Returning to the UFC

The troubled former light-heavyweight champion will once again wreak havoc in the Octagon.

Former light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones has been reinstated by the UFC, ending a six-month suspension after he was arrested in April for his part in a hit-and-run accident in New Mexico. 

There’s no word just yet on when the fearsomely talented fighter will return to The Octagon to win back the title belt that was stripped from him after his arrest. 

“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,” UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said Friday.


“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.”


The troubled Jones, who entered rehab in January after testing positive for cocaine before being involved in the hit-and-run that left a pregnant woman hospitalized, posted on Facebook that he was grateful for yet another chance. 

“It took me losing almost everything I had worked for to realize how much I had,” he wrote.


“I am blessed and humbled by the continued support of the MMA community and I can’t thank my fans enough for their unwavering support through my ups and downs. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life and my career and let me assure you, the best is yet to come.”

Daniel Cormier would eventually win and defend the title in Jones’ absence, as the former champion wrangled with legal issues in connection with his case.


But now that Jones is heading back, it’s unlikely he’ll hold the title for long, judging from this brutal knockout reel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7RvTqiBXII

Photos by Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today Sports