Jon "Bones" Jones, the UFC light heavyweight champion and headline attraction of UFC 187 in Las Vegas in May, is giving the UFC headaches once again. Jones has been named as a suspect in a hit-and-run case in Alburquerque, New Mexico that injured a pregnant woman.
Alburquerque police released a statement confirming they were looking for Jones yesterday after rumors spread like wildfire via Twitter. The police statement read:
"The Albuquerque Police Department is actively seeking UFC Fighter Jon Jones for questioning in regards to his possible involvement in a hit-and-run accident, near the intersection of Juan Tabo and Southern, in Southeast Albuquerque early this morning, April 26, 2015.
A pregnant female in her 20s, who was the driver of a separate vehicle, was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.
Officers attempted to contact Mr. Jones at his (Albuquerque) residence Sunday evening, but were unsuccessful. Officers attempted to contact Mr. Jones at his residence Sunday evening, but were unsuccessful. We have also reached out to his lawyer, but as of now, have not heard back.
The Albuquerque Police Department is asking Mr. Jones to please contact us as we continue to investigate by calling (505) 242-COPS (2677)."
There have been no charges filed yet, and the UFC declined to make a decision on the future of their UFC 187 card, which was supposed to be headline by Jones defending his title against Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. Jones defended his title in January vs. Daniel Cormier, but prior to that fight tested positive for cocaine. He checked into rehab, but left after just one day. At this time it is not confirmed whether drugs were involved in the current situation.
If Jones is unable to fight at UFC 187, or is suspended by the UFC, these three fighters are the best options to replace him on their card.
Daniel Cormier (15-1)
Yes, Cormier lost his last bout, but prior to the loss he was one of the most dominant fighters in the entire company. Cormier hadn't lost a single round in UFC action until he was beaten by Jones, considered the top pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world. If Jones winds up stripped of his title, both Johnson and Cormier are worthy of holding the belt, and if he isn't stripped, Johnson vs. Cormier would be one of the best matchups possible.
One problem: Cormier is scheduled to headline a June 6 card vs. Ryan Bader. It wouldn't be too hard to find a Cormier replacement in this case, but it would be unfair to Bader, who has fought well of late, to diminish that card.
Ovince St. Preux (18-6)
The record doesn't leap out, but "OSP" is on a roll. He has won his last two fights-vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Patrick Cummins-by knockout and had his hand raised in four of his last five fights. The only man to get the best of him since August 2012 is Ryan Bader, who is one win away from a title shot. St. Preux would have to take this fight on short notice, but he would make for an entertaining fight against Johnson. Half of St. Preux's victories have come by way of knockout, as have his last two wins. Johnson is the premier knockout artist at light heavyweight. This would produce fireworks.
Alexander Gustafsson (16-3)
Gustafsson, like Cormier, has a fight date all set against Glover Teixeira on June 20. He is also the most recent victim of Johnson's striking, having been dropped and pummeled in less than one round in his native Sweden.
Gustafsson's name still carries a ton of clout in the UFC though for getting to Jon Jones in ways no other opponent has before. Gustafsson maintains Johnson caught him on a bad night, and even though his loss was one-sided, fans wouldn't be upset with a second go-round.
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