Last week, former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones was given 18 months probation following a plea hearing in Albuquerque, and thus avoided jail time for leaving the scene of an accident.
The 28-year-old Jones ran a red light in a rented SUV and struck a pregnant lady moments afterwards, which caused her to break her arm. Jones then fled the scene of the accident but not before returning to stuff his pockets with cash. A marijuana pipe was also found in the rented car along with his documentation that confirmed his identity.
Jones avoided jail time and a fine but will have to make 72 charity appearances during his probation. And while he remains suspended from his position with the UFC, his return to the promotion is considered inevitable.
Michelle Waterson, a former Invicta FC champion and training partner of Jones' at the Jackson/Winkeljohn facility, admitted that Jones appeared to be in a positive headspace following the hearing.
"Well I really haven't been in the gym much because I was in Costa Rica and because of my hand - my hand has been broke and still healing," Waterson told Submission Radio. "So I haven't been in the gym much, but yes, I did see Jon and he looks to be in good spirits, and I think that this is good news for him and for the whole team. It's good to have good news."
Last Saturday, Daniel Cormier defended his light-heavyweight title in a potential Fight of the Year candidate against Alexander Gustafsson and is next expected to rematch Jones to determine the undisputed champion. However, the UFC brass made no mention of Jones during the UFC 192 post-fight proceedings.
Get the latest gear
