- UFC. Dana White drops a bombshell! UFC Mount Rushmore overhauled after legend's retirement
- PFL. Is Francis Ngannou's career in jeopardy? Shocking PPV figures foreshadow a bleak future for the 'Predator'
Jon Jones just cleared a major hurdle ahead of his highly anticipated return to the Octagon. The UFC heavyweight champ has reached a plea adjudication diversion agreement to dismiss two misdemeanor charges tied to an alleged altercation with anti-doping officials at his home in March.
With this deal in place, Jones is now laser-focused on defending his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden.
On Tuesday, Judge Asra Elliott approved the agreement, which requires Jones to complete four hours of anger management and avoid any further legal issues for the next 90 days. If Jones complies, both charges-assault and interference with communications-will be officially dropped.
"I would like to extend my thanks to the justice system for reaching a prompt resolution in this matter, which affirms my innocence and enables me to maintain my focus on the fight," Jones said. "I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to defend my heavyweight title on November 16th."
Jones denied the allegations
The charges stem from an incident on March 30 when two drug-testing agents from Drug Free Sport International visited Jones' Albuquerque home for a routine urine sample. One of the agents, Crystal Martinez, claimed that Jones was hostile and smelled of alcohol.
According to her, he not only berated them but also threatened, "Do you know what happens to people who come to my house? They end up dead." Martinez said the incident left her "terrified."
Martinez further accused Jones of stealing her phone and using it to record the altercation. However, Jones denied the theft and later released home security footage showing what appeared to be a friendly high-five exchange between him and the agents as they left. He did it to cursing at them but claimed to have apologized afterward.
The champion will be able to focus on his training
With this legal distraction behind him, Jones (27-1, 1 NC) can now focus on making his first title defense since capturing the belt in March 2023. A pectoral injury has kept him out of competition, but the showdown with Miocic promises to be a blockbuster event.
Jones will be looking to cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, but Miocic, a former two-time heavyweight champ, aims to reclaim his throne. All eyes are on Jones to see if he can stay out of trouble-and on top of the division.