UFC issues full statement after Jon Jones belt stripped and suspended

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is disappointed.

Probably because it lost one of its biggest stars and perhaps the most dominant mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter in the game today, after former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was charged with felony hit-and-run to cap off what has been a turbulent year for the embattled star.

The promotion's official statement (via UFC.com) is below:

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. Jones was recently arrested in Albuquerque, N.M. 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.

With this decision, UFC has determined that No. 1 contender Anthony Johnson will now fight No. 3 contender Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight championship at UFC 187 on May 23 in Las Vegas.

Uh huh.

Honestly, I don't even know what that means. How does it intend to "support" him? In addition to the injured pregnant woman who was abandoned at the scene, Jones was also found to be in possession of marijuana, which is yet another red flag after testing positive for cocaine earlier this year.

In any event, "Bones" has been stripped of his title and suspended indefinitely.

That gives Daniel Cormier a chance to become light heavyweight champion after coming up short at UFC 182, though I'd reckon he's got a tough task ahead of him in the form of UFC 187 pay-per-view (PPV) co-headliner Anthony Johnson, who also wants a crack at the crown on May 23.

For much more on this still-developing story follow out comprehensive news stream here.