UFC champ Jon Jones charged with misdemeanors after drug-test incident

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is going through two misdemeanor prices stemming from an encounter with a “terrified” drug-test pattern collector earlier this 12 months.

Jones has been charged with assault and interference with communications, in response to Bernadillo County (N.M.) on-line information, and is scheduled for a digital bond listening to this Wednesday, July 17, at 9:15 a.m. native time (11:15 a.m. ET). MMA Fighting was first to report the information Monday.

Jones may face jail time of lower than one 12 months and as much as a $500 nice for the assault misdemeanor and as much as $1,000 for the interference with communications misdemeanor if convicted.

The fees in opposition to Jones have been filed greater than three months after the alleged incident took place March 30 when a Drug Free Sport Worldwide (DFSI) employee visited Jones’ house in Albuquerque to gather a urine pattern.

In keeping with an preliminary grievance filed with Albuquerque Police Division, the employee stated Jones was cooperative at first however ultimately grew to become verbally combative after he struggled to supply a urine pattern, prompting her to recommend a blood pattern as a substitute. Jones then threatened to sue, took her cellphone, and video-recorded the employees. The employee added she believed Jones was intoxicated as he smelled like alcohol.

The employee alleges that Jones put her cellphone in his pocket, “bought into her face,” and stated, “Why you f*cking folks come so early? Are you aware what occurs to individuals who come to my home? They find yourself useless.” In keeping with the police grievance, the employee was “terrified,” “afraid,” and “felt her coronary heart pounding” after Jones’ thinly veiled dying menace.

Jones quickly denied the allegations after studies of the incident surfaced and shared house surveillance video showing to point out a high-five trade with the employee.

Jones, who turns 37 on July 19, is in the course of an extended layoff as he hasn’t competed since March 2023 when he claimed the vacant UFC heavyweight title with a first-round submission of Ciryl Gane. Jones was set to defend his belt in opposition to former champ Stipe Miocic final November at UFC 295, however the struggle fell off with three weeks to go after Jones tore his pectoral tendon in coaching.

Jones vs. Miocic is extensively anticipated to be rebooked and headline UFC 309 this November at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York.