The unthinkable finally became the inevitable. Caught in another public relations quagmire from its pound-for-pound king, the UFC announced Tuesday that it was stripping Jon Jones of the light heavyweight title that Jones has held over four years and eight historic defenses. Anthony Johnson and Daniel Cormier will now collide on May 23 at UFC 187 for the legitimate UFC light heavyweight belt, not an interim, while Jones will be suspended indefinitely due to his alleged role in a bizarre hit-and-run accident that left a pregnant victim with a fractured wrist and arm.

It's been said for years, but in the end it proved to be prophetic: the only man capable of ending Jon Jones' legendary title run was Jones himself.

Fight is on- Johnson vs Cormier for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship http://t.co/GpezPubr3d — Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) April 29, 2015

@JonnyBones best of luck with everything bro. Regardless of everything you are still the greatest light heavyweight champion of all time! — Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) April 29, 2015

Proud the @ufc took a stand and did what's right — Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) April 29, 2015

Sad day for everyone involved in the @ufc the best fighter in the world is no longer a champion and won't be fighting ANY time soon — Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) April 29, 2015

Stripped and suspended! Damn! That will make you fix shit! — tim means (@MeansTim) April 29, 2015

Crazy news these last few days, congrats to @dc_mma for the opportunity. #UFC187 just got a great main event. — Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 29, 2015

Being a champion isn't just about winning fights. This was the right decision by the @ufc for the sport and for Jon. — Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 29, 2015

Not enormously surprised at the title being stripped but I am at the timing. Strong statement from UFC. — Brian Stann (@BrianStann) April 29, 2015

The @ufc did the right thing. Fucked up situation for sure. I just hope the woman he hit in the car is alright. https://t.co/iKfb9qfB4e — Joe Rogan (@joerogan) April 29, 2015

Oh damn @dc_mma is now fighting @Anthony_Rumble at @ufc ufc 187 im even more excited for the card now — sheldon westcott (@sheldonwestcott) April 29, 2015

Happy for @dc_mma he's truly one of the good guys in the sport.Can't wait to see him with that @ufc gold.Gonna be a great night #UFC187 — Gian Villante (@GPVillante) April 29, 2015

You can take his belt, but not his tittle.. You are not the champ, until you beat the champ! — Tim Elliott (@TElliott125) April 29, 2015

The champ beat himself... https://t.co/LYfzrTDys4 — Zachary Makovsky (@ZachFunSize) April 29, 2015

I really hope @JonnyBones takes this punishment not as a negative but a positive and takes this time off to get help. #peaceandblessings — Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) April 29, 2015

The UFC should have taken action when he got popped for coke, not let him fight Cormier, suspended him and forced him to get help. — Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) April 29, 2015

Jon is his own person I get that but prevention measures could have been shown and taken in order to get him help before this point — Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) April 29, 2015

@JonnyBones We've all fallen short of the glory of God. Wish you well buddy. God speed. — Joe Ellenberger (@JoeEllenberger) April 29, 2015

They call me mini-jones. Dana should've called me up to fill in for the title shot AJ! — Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) April 29, 2015

Jones has made quite a few mistakes recent. Hope he gets it together. Remember what's important, Faith and FAMILY. — Jesse Juarez (@JesseJuarezmma) April 29, 2015

All the best to @JonnyBones . l hope he gets his act together. He has the potential to be a huge star of stars. The top is a lonely place. — Brett Cooper (@BrettCoopermma) April 29, 2015

Thoughts&prayers go out to @JonnyBones his family and anyone involved in the accident. Hope he finds the help necessary #recoveryispossible — Court McGee (@Court_McGee) April 29, 2015

Sounds a little similar to Johnny Tapia. #RIP Albuquerque, Prize Fighting star, Cocaine addiction. Is it the area or just a coincidence? — MIKE RICHMAN (@MikeUSMCRichman) April 29, 2015

Looks like I'm going to have to get my fat ass back in the gym tomorrow. LETS GET IT DC @dc_mma #TeamAKA ☝️ — Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) April 29, 2015

The @ufc going to lose a lot of money but much respect for @lorenzofertitta @dc_mma for the making the right decision — khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 29, 2015

I'm gonna keep my mouth closed with everything I just heard and smile lol — Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) April 29, 2015