Reports surfaced in the early hours of Thursday, March 26th that UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is in trouble with the law again. And, like prior incidents, these charges involve the fighter behind the wheel of an automobile. Jones was arrested twice previously in connection with vehicular related charges—a 2012 incident for driving under the influence, and a 2015 incident where he fled the scene of an accident. He plead guilty in both cases.
This time around, it seems he’s been charged with driving while intoxicated, an open container violation – police allegedly found a bottle of Recuerdo tequila behind the passenger seat – and negligent use of a firearm. According to reports from local news station KOAT, officers initially responded to complaints gunshots in the area, and arrived to find Jones seated in the driver’s seat of his car. Despite Jones’ insistence that he wasn’t involved, a search of the vehicle apparently revealed a handgun underneath the driver’s seat. In a brethalyzer test, Jones reportedly registered at twice the legal limit.
When asked for comment by ESPN, the UFC responded…
“UFC is aware of the situation regarding Jon Jones in Albuquerque early this morning. The organization has been in contact with Jones’ management team and is currently gathering additional information.”
Jones most recently ran afoul of the law back in July of 2019, when he was charged with battery for an incident involving a waitress at an Albuquerque strip club. Jones eventually pleaded ‘no contest’ to the charges and was given a 90-day deferred sentence. Jones was back defending his UFC title just seven months later, against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Whether the UFC takes this incident more seriously remains to be seen.
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