UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of assault and interference with communications during a virtual hearing, following an alleged altercation with drug testing agents at his home, while maintaining his innocence and preparing for a potential title fight in November.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones entered a plea of not guilty on two misdemeanor charges during a virtual hearing in New Mexico court on Wednesday. The charges include a petty misdemeanor for assault and a misdemeanor for interference with communications.
Judge Brittany Maldonado Malott presided over the hearing, with Jones and his attorney Christopher Dodd present. The charges stem from an alleged altercation with drug testing agents who visited Jones’ home in March.
As conditions for his release pending trial, Jones must adhere to several rules. He cannot violate any laws or possess firearms or dangerous weapons. Additionally, he is prohibited from consuming alcohol or illegal drugs.
Jones must also notify the court if his address changes and maintain contact with his attorney. Importantly, he must avoid all contact with the alleged victims in the case.
Jones’ attorney clarified why a warrant was initially issued after Jones missed a prior hearing. The court had recorded his name and address incorrectly, leading to confusion.
Once aware of the mistake, Jones contacted his attorney to rectify the situation immediately. The charges relate to an incident involving agents from Drug Free Sport who arrived at Jones’ house on March 30.
One agent, Crystal Martinez, claimed that Jones “appeared agitated” when unable to provide a urine sample and was offered a blood test instead. Martinez further alleged that Jones asked if they had money because he intended to sue them.
She also claimed that Jones grabbed her phone and started recording them. Martinez told police she felt “terrified” as Jones stood less than a foot away from her during the incident.
She feared that Jones might hit her after contemplating terminating the drug test and leaving his property. In response to these allegations, Jones vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
“I was recently visited by testers while celebrating a birthday,” said Jones in April. “I was caught off guard by their unprofessionalism which caused frustration.”
He admitted using some profanity but emphasized he never threatened or assaulted anyone. “It’s unfortunate false news has spread without proper fact-checking,” he added.
Jones assured fans he would vigorously defend himself against these accusations, stating that “the incident simply did not occur.” If convicted on both charges, he could face less than a year in jail and fines totaling $1,500.
Currently, Jones is preparing for his return to UFC after recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. He is expected to face Stipe Miocic in November at Madison Square Garden in New York.