UFC champion Jon Jones has been stripped of his light-heavyweight title and suspended indefinitely after being arrested earlier this week.
The 27-year-old reportedly surrendered himself to police and was subsequently charged with a misdemeanor hit-and-run following a car crash in which a pregnant woman was injured.
Jones, who is widely regarded as the number one pound-for-pound mixed martial arts fighter in the world and one of the greatest in the history of the sport, had been scheduled to face Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 on May 23.
"UFC announced that it has suspended Jon Jones indefinitely and stripped him of the light heavyweight title as a result of violations of the organization's Athlete Code of Conduct Policy," read a statement from UFC.
"Jones was recently arrested in Albuquerque, NM on a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury. As a result of the charge and other violations of the Athlete Code of Conduct Policy, the organization believes it is best to allow Jones time to focus on his pending legal matters.
"UFC feels strongly that its athletes must uphold certain standards both in and out of the Octagon. While there is disappointment in the recent charges, the organization remains supportive of Jones as he works through the legal process."
UFC 187 will now be headlined by Johnson and Daniel Cormier, who will fight for the vacant light-heavyweight title.
Barney Corkhill
