After months of speculation about his future in MMA following a hit-and-run incident in New Mexico last April, former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones pleaded guilty to one felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident. However, Jones avoided jail time and was granted a conditional discharge, as reported by MMA Junkie.

He was also given 18 months of supervised probation and is required to make 72 speaking appearances. "Mr. Jones, you got real lucky, and in a number of ways, I think you need to talk to young people because making one stupid decision changes your entire future," Judge Charles Brown of the Second Judicial District Court said to the player.

Jones released a statement via EAG Sports Management. He said, "I am very happy to now be able to put this incident behind me. My actions have caused pain and inconvenience in the lives of others and for that I am truly sorry and I accept full responsibility."

"I have been working hard during this time away from my sport to grow and mature as a man and to ensure that nothing like this happens again. I apologize to those who were affected by my actions in this incident and I am hopeful that I will be given the opportunity to redeem myself in the eyes of the public, my family and friends as well as my supporters," he added.

As for his future plans, Jones said, "I am not sure what the future holds for me but I plan to continue to do the work needed to be productive and successful in every aspect of my life." 

One possible scenario for the former pound-for-pound king is a return bout and a possible shot to regain the title he never lost.

Current champion Daniel Cormier offered his thoughts on Jon Jones' situation, telling MMA Fighting, "When this incident happened, the thought wasn't really that Jon was going to serve jail time. He will now be able to help young children and talk to them so that they don't make mistakes like he has over the course of his life."

"Hopefully on the other side he becomes a better person and he gets back to doing what he does best, and that's fighting," Cormier added. 

Before thinking about fighting Jones to avenge his lone defeat, the 36-year-old has to defeat someone who also has unfinished business with Jones, Alexander Gustafsson, on UFC 192 in Houston, Texas this Sunday.

The UFC released a statement regarding Jon Jones' future as he is currently suspended by the organization. 

The statement read: "The UFC, through Las Vegas-based law firm Campbell & Williams, will thoroughly review the agreement before discussing Jones' possible reinstatement to return to competition."