Jon Jones returns to UFC after suspension

Jon Jones will return to fighting in the UFC after his suspension was officially ended on Friday.

No date has yet been set for his next fight, but the UFC have confirmed that negotiations have begun for his Octagon return.

Jones, widely regarded as the sport's greatest-ever fighter, was stripped of his light-heavyweight championship and handed an indefinite suspension in April due to his role in a hit-and-run incident, but has since avoided jail time.

It took me losing almost everything I had worked for to realise how much I had.

UFC chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said: "We've made it clear to Jon that this new opportunity to compete in UFC is a privilege and not a right.

"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."

Jones added via 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 realise 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."