The UFC has just stripped Jon Jones of his light heavyweight title as a result of his alleged involvement in a Sunday hit-and-run accident in New Mexico.
UFC President Dana White announced the news on tonight’s edition of “FOX Sports Live.”He said that the former champ would be suspended indefinitely.
Jones, 27, allegedly ran a red light on Sunday morning while driving his rented silver Buick SUV in Albuquerque,New Mexico, hitting another car and igniting a three-car collision, according to the police report.
He is being accused of leaving the scene, but only after going back to the vehicle and grabbing a handful of cash. The victim, Vanessa Sonnenberg, is pregnant and suffered a broken arm.
Anthony Johnson and Daniel Cormier will now fight on May 23 at UFC 187 for the legitimate UFC light heavyweight belt, not an interim.
Here are the first reactions from MMA Pros:
@JonnyBones best of luck with everything bro. Regardless of everything you are still the greatest light heavyweight champion of all time!
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) April 29, 2015
Fight is on- Johnson vs Cormier for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship http://t.co/GpezPubr3d
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) April 29, 2015
I'm gonna keep my mouth closed with everything I just heard and smile lol
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) April 29, 2015
The @ufc going to lose a lot of money but much respect for @lorenzofertitta @dc_mma for the making the right decision
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 29, 2015
Looks like I'm going to have to get my fat ass back in the gym tomorrow. LETS GET IT DC @dc_mma #TeamAKA ☝️
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) April 29, 2015
Great Match up @UFC I can't wait 2 see this one https://t.co/pxQ2QB6jsi
— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) April 29, 2015
Not enormously surprised at the title being stripped but I am at the timing. Strong statement from UFC.
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) April 29, 2015
Happy for @dc_mma he's truly one of the good guys in the sport.Can't wait to see him with that @ufc gold.Gonna be a great night #UFC187
— Gian Villante (@GPVillante) April 29, 2015
Oh damn @dc_mma is now fighting @Anthony_Rumble at @ufc ufc 187 im even more excited for the card now
— sheldon westcott (@sheldonwestcott) April 29, 2015
My thoughts exactly @joerogan https://t.co/0z4JvvLZWP
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 29, 2015
The @ufc did the right thing. Fucked up situation for sure. I just hope the woman he hit in the car is alright. https://t.co/iKfb9qfB4e
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) April 29, 2015
https://twitter.com/officialswick/status/593254348274077696
@JonnyBones We've all fallen short of the glory of God. Wish you well buddy. God speed.
— Joe Ellenberger (@JoeEllenberger) April 29, 2015
Jon is his own person I get that but prevention measures could have been shown and taken in order to get him help before this point
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) April 29, 2015
The UFC should have taken action when he got popped for coke, not let him fight Cormier, suspended him and forced him to get help.
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) April 29, 2015
I really hope @JonnyBones takes this punishment not as a negative but a positive and takes this time off to get help. #peaceandblessings
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) April 29, 2015
The champ beat himself… https://t.co/LYfzrTDys4
— Zachary Makovsky (@ZachFunSize) April 29, 2015
Holy #%^+ !!!!!! https://t.co/Bp9TCQ4uDJ
— Nik Lentz (@NikLentz) April 29, 2015
The @ufc stripping Jones, and putting @dc_mma against @Anthony_Rumble for the title is a perfect move. Exactly what I'd have done.
— Sean McCorkle (@BigSexyMcCorkle) April 29, 2015
DC in #UFC187 Yeeeeeaaa!! @dc_mma @ufc @CowboyWrestling @team_munoz
— Mark Muñoz (@mark_munoz) April 29, 2015
