UFC’s Jon Jones gets 18 months’ probation in hit-and-run incident

Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Jon Jones avoided jail time Tuesday when a New Mexico judge sentenced him to 18 months of supervised probation in connection with a hit-and-run incident earlier this year.

As part of a deal with prosecutors, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of leaving the scene of an accident during a hearing before New Mexico District Court Judge Charles W. Brown.

The plea deal allows Jones to avoid an official conviction on his record as long as he follows the conditions of the agreement.

Jones was accused of fleeing the scene of an April 25 three-vehicle accident in Albuquerque in which a pregnant woman was injured.

He was stripped of his light-heavyweight title after the incident, in which drug paraphernalia was found and he was seen grabbing a bundle of cash from his vehicle.

UFC President Dana White attended Tuesday’s hearing.

It’s unclear when Jones will fight again. On Saturday in Houston, light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier will defend his belt against Alexander Gustafsson.

UFC released this statement Tuesday:

“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.

“More information will be made available following completion of this review.”