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The legal problems do not end for Jon Jones. The former UFC heavyweight champion is still suffering the consequences of a complaint against him for an incident with a drug-testing agent in late March. Bernalillo County authorities filed two charges for the altercation that could cost the fighter fines and jail time.
On March 30, an agent from the Drug Free Sport agency showed up at Jones' home to conduct a random test. After an altercation with the fighter, agent Crystal Martínez filed a complaint with local authorities for assault and interference with communications.
The complainant claimed that during the incident, Jones took her phone from her, intimidated her, and threatened her. "Why you f*cking people come so early, do you know what happens to people who come so early to my house, they end up dead," Jones would have said, according to the agent's statements.
The former champion released a statement a few days later denying the allegations. "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," Jones said but denied the rest of Martinez's .
The formal charges against Jones
According to Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, Jones faces two charges for that incident: One count of assault, which is a petty misdemeanor, and one count of interference with communications, which is a misdemeanor.
Since they are minor charges, Jones could be fined $500 and $1,000 for each charge, respectively. He could also spend up to a year in jail if found guilty.
The Bernalillo County Court confirmed to MMA Fighting that Jones is scheduled for a virtual hearing on July 17, where he will be informed of the charges against him and asked to file a reply.
The judge will determine the conditions of release. Jones must undergo a bench trial that could last between 30 and 45 days.
Jones's return
Jones' career has faced several setbacks lately. His last fight was in March 2023, when he defeated Ciryl Gaine by submission in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A torn pectoral tendon has prevented him from fighting since then. Jones was supposed to defend his heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in October 2023, but the injury forced him to cancel the match.
The fight was recently rescheduled for November at Madison Square Garden.