Jon Jones stripped of UFC title and suspended indefinitely after arrest in hit-and-run

UFC fighter Jon Jones has been stripped of his light-heavyweight championship and been suspended indefinitely by the organisation.

Jones, 27, has been withdrawn from the main event of UFC 187 as a result following his arrest on 27 April in connection to a hit-and-run in Albuquerque, New Mexico that left a pregnant woman in hospital.

A statement released by UFC read: "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 organisation 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 organisation remains supportive of Jones as he works through the legal process."

An arrest warrant was issued by the Albuquerque Police Department after the 30-year-old woman suffered injuries to her arm after the incident on 26 April. The police report noted Jones fled the scene before quickly returning to "grab a large handful of cash" from his vehicle.

Officers found a pipe with marijuana in Jones's SUV in addition to UFC documents in his name. Jones later turned himself into the authorities.

Anthony Johnson, who was scheduled to fight Jones at UFC 187 on 23 May, will now meet Daniel Cormier for the light-heavyweight championship.