Sentencing for Jon Jones delayed

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Sentencing in Jon Jones' misdemeanor driving while intoxicated case has been delayed for a second time.

A judge granted the delay after Jones appeared in a Binghamton, N.Y., city court on Tuesday. According to the Press & Sun Bulletin, the UFC light heavyweight champion will be sentenced July 31.

Jones, who pled guilty in exchange for a one-year conditional discharge and $1,500 fine, first requested a delay June 19.

As part of his plea deal, the 24-year-old champion must also install ignition interlock devices in all of his vehicles, undergo substance dependency evaluation and attend a victim impact class.

Jones was arrested in the early morning hours on May 19 after his 2012 Bentley struck a utility pole. Jones refused a breath alcohol test at the scene, the Broome County DA's office confirmed, though he admitted to police that he'd been drinking.

After Tuesday's court appearance, Jones' legal team issued a statement.

"Mr. Jones wishes to express the following to his fans, friends, and most of all, his family: By pleading guilty on May 29, Mr. Jones accepted responsibility for his actions. This process has been a learning experience for this young man," the statement said. "He is remorseful for his conduct, but thankful for the opportunity to accept responsibility and to grow as a person. This experience has motivated Mr. Jones to achieve his maximum potential both professionally and personally."

Jones became the youngest man to ever claim a UFC title when he defeated Mauricio Rua by third-round TKO on March 19, 2011.

He is scheduled to make the fourth defense of his title Sept. 1 against Dan Henderson at UFC 151 in Las Vegas.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Franklin McNeil

Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts

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• MMA columnist for ESPN.com
• Analyst for "MMA Live"
• Covered MMA/Boxing for The Star-Ledger