UFC releases statement on Jon Jones’ status of UFC 197 fight with Daniel Cormier

Fans were concerned about the UFC 197 main event bout featuring former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and current champion Daniel Cormier after Jones was arrested on Tuesday.

A judge ruled that a ticket Jones received for allegedly drag racing violated the terms of his probation. Jones turned himself into police on Tuesday and was held in custody until his court hearing on Thursday

Video from Jones’ court hearing on Thursday revealed that the former champion had new conditions applied to his probation. Jones will have to attend anger management and driver improvement courses in addition to 60 more hours of community service within three months.

The UFC released a statement following Jones’ court hearing.

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.