Jon Jones reinstated by UFC, currently negotiating date for Octagon return

Guess who's back ... back again. "Bones" is back ... tell a friend (to tell this guy).

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been reinstated by the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion and is currently negotiating a date for his Octagon return. That said, it sounds like he's being given a very short leash.

From UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta:

"We've made it clear to Jon that this new opportunity to compete in UFC is a privilege and not a right, and that there are significant expectations we have regarding his conduct moving forward. We're happy to read and see reports that he has embraced the terms of his plea agreement and is using this experience to grow and develop as a person."

He's growing and developing, no question about that.

Jones was suspended and stripped of his 205-pound title earlier this year following his involvement in a hit-and-run accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During his absence, rival Daniel Cormier captured the crown by defeating Anthony Johnson and recently defended it against Alexander Gustafsson.

So much for his "break."

"Bones," meanwhile, shared his excitement on Facebook:

"I am grateful for the opportunity to resume my career and I am excited to show how much I've grown as a person outside of the octagon. It took me losing almost everything I had worked for to realize how much I had. I am blessed and humbled by the continued support of the MMA community and I can't thank my fans enough for their unwavering support through my ups and downs. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life and my career and let me assure you, the best is yet to come."

Great news for UFC fans, bad news for this guy.