Jon Jones (photo via FOX Sports.com)

By FCF Staff

After reaching a plea deal with New Mexico authorities, which will keep him out of jail, former UFC champ Jon Jones has released a statement regarding the development.

According to multiple reports, Jones has been sentenced to 18 months of supervised probation, after pleading guilty to a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident. The light-heavyweight will also have to make 72 public speaking appearances. If the former champ completes all the terms of his sentence he will likely avoid a felony charge conviction.

Following the sentence, Jones made the following statement:

“With regards to today’s decision made by the court, I am very happy to now be able to put this incident behind me. My actions have caused pain and inconvenience in the lives of others and for that I am truly sorry and I accept full responsibility. I have been working hard during this time away from my sport to grow and mature as a man and to ensure that nothing like this happens again. I have learned a great deal from this situation and I am determined to emerge a better person because of it. I apologize to those who were affected by my actions in this incident and I am hopeful that I will be given the opportunity to redeem myself in the eyes of the public, my family and friends as well as my supporters. I am not sure what the future holds for me but I plan to continue to do the work needed to be productive and successful in every aspect of my life.”

The UFC has also posted the following statement in response to the news.

The UFC organization is aware that Jon Jones reached a plea agreement with authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico this morning stemming from charges associated with a motor vehicle accident earlier this year. As a result, UFC, through Las Vegas-based law firm Campbell & Williams, will thoroughly review the agreement before discussing Jones’ possible reinstatement to return to competition.

The 28 year-old Jones was arrested this past April, and as a result, the UFC stripped him of the light-heavyweight title. Jones was also arrested in 2012 for driving under the influence.

Daniel Cormier went on to win the vacant belt in May by submitting Anthony Johnson.