Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones avoided jail time on Thursday for violating the terms of his probation, but he has been ordered to complete more community service and will need permission to drive.
TMZ reports that prosecutors in Albuquerque, N.M. wanted to impose a curfew on Jones that would require him to be in his home from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. every day, but Jones successfully argued that he needs to train at night and not doing so would result in him missing his next fight at UFC 197. A judge nixed the curfew proposal but ordered Jones to check in with his probation officer anytime he needs to drive.
Jones also must complete a driver improvement course, attend anger management sessions and complete 60 hours of community service in the next three months.
Jones was cited for drag racing and four other violations last week, though he insists he was only revving his engine at a red light to acknowledge some fans. When an officer accused him of drag racing, he became furious and started cursing. You can see the video here.
While Jones wasn’t arrested, he was still on probation as a result of a plea agreement in his hit-and-run case last year. Part of the terms of that deal required him to not get into any trouble with the law. By not reporting the incident, Jones violated the terms of the probation.
UFC has given no indication that Jones will be suspended. He is still scheduled to have a shot at reclaiming his title against Daniel Cormier on April 23.
