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UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones recently entered a plea of not guilty to a pair of misdemeanor charges during a virtual hearing in a New Mexico court. The charges stem from an alleged incident involving drug testing agents who visited his home earlier this year.
Judge Brittany Maldonado Malott presided over the virtual proceedings, with Jones and his attorney, Christopher Dodd, in attendance. Jones faced a petty misdemeanor charge for assault and a misdemeanor for interference with communications. The charges arose from an altercation with Drug-Free Sport agents on March 30, who had come to collect a sample for the UFC's anti-doping program.
As part of his continued release, Jones must adhere to several conditions. He is prohibited from violating any laws, possessing firearms or dangerous weapons, consuming alcohol or illegal drugs, and must maintain contact with his attorney. Additionally, he must notify the court of any address changes and avoid all contact with the alleged victims.
According to the police report, the incident began when Jones was unable to provide a urine sample and was offered a blood test instead. Agent Crystal Martinez claimed that Jones "appeared agitated" and began questioning them, allegedly asking if they had money because he intended to sue them. Martinez also claimed that Jones grabbed her phone and started recording the agents. She described feeling "terrified" and contemplated terminating the drug test due to fear that Jones might hit her.
Jones has vehemently denied the allegations, providing his account of the events.
“I was recently visited by testers while I was celebrating a birthday and taking a nap,” Jones stated 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.”
Jones criticized the spread of "false news" and expressed his commitment to defending himself against the accusations, insisting that the incident did not occur as described by the agents.
The case initially saw a warrant issued for Jones' arrest after he missed a prior hearing, due to a clerical error with his name and address. Once informed, Jones and his attorney quickly rectified the situation with the court.
If convicted on both charges, Jones could face up to a year in jail and fines totaling $1,500.
Despite these legal troubles, Jones is preparing for a return to the UFC. After recovering from a torn pectoral muscle that postponed his 2023 bout, he is expected to face Stipe Miocic in a title fight, likely set for November at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Jon Jones' latest legal battle adds another chapter to his tumultuous career. As he prepares for his anticipated return to the octagon, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how both his legal and professional fights unfold.
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