UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones faces two misdemeanor charges related to an alleged incident with a drug-testing agent at his home, which he denies, with a virtual bond hearing scheduled for July 17 and a potential bench trial to follow.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been charged with two misdemeanors. This stems from an incident involving a drug-testing agent at his home on March 30.
Jones faces charges of assault and interference with communications. His virtual bond hearing is set for July 17 at 9:15 a.m. MT in New Mexico. Bernalillo County Court confirmed this via email to MMA Fighting on Monday.
If convicted, Jones could face less than a year in jail. He also risks fines: $500 for the petty misdemeanor and up to $1,000 for the misdemeanor.
The situation began when UFC’s anti-doping partners, Drug Free Sport, sent agents to collect a random sample from Jones. Agent Crystal Martinez claimed Jones “appeared agitated” after failing to provide a urine sample and being offered a blood test instead.
Martinez alleged that Jones asked if they had money because he planned to sue them. She also claimed he grabbed her phone and started recording them.
Martinez told police she was “terrified” with Jones standing less than a foot away from her. She feared he might hit her as she considered ending the drug test and leaving his property.
Jones later issued a statement vehemently denying the allegations.
“I was recently visited by testers while I was celebrating a birthday and taking a nap,” Jones said in April. “Upon waking up, I was caught off guard by the unprofessionalism and protocol by one of the testers, which caused frustration leading me to use some profanity I regret.”
“However, I want to emphasize that at no point did I threaten, get in anyone’s face, raise my voice to anyone, or engage in any form of assault.”
“It’s unfortunate that false news has been spread without proper fact-checking,” he continued. “I want to assure you that I will vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations. The truth is, the incident simply did not occur.”
During Jones’ scheduled appearance on July 17, he’ll be informed about the charges against him and asked to enter a plea. The judge will then set conditions of release while the case is pending.
The case will proceed to a bench trial within 30 to 45 days after that.
Meanwhile, Jones is gearing up for his return to UFC action. He’s expected to defend his heavyweight title against former champion Stipe Miocic in November at Madison Square Garden in New York.