UFC icon Jon Jones is just months away from one of the biggest fights of his career. However, at UFC 306, Jon Jones and controversial boxer Ryan Garcia were seen partying together in Las Vegas. This sparked concern among fans and UFC CEO Dana White. Here is what happened:
Both Jon Jones and Ryan Garcia have faced legal issues in the past. Dana White, during the post-fight press conference, humorously reacted to the situation ‘hoping’ that the reports were false. The UFC CEO revealed that Jones had promised to stay out of trouble while in the city.
I hope that’s not true. Jon Jones is running loose and wild here tonight in Las Vegas. So let’s hope-Hunter, you babysitting him tonight. Listen, Jon promised me tonight that he’s going to be good while he’s in Las Vegas.
Dana White at the UFC Noche post-fight press conference
Given Jones’ upcoming fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, White is understandably anxious about any potential distractions or incidents that could arise from such outings. Fans also voiced their worries on social media, with many joking or predicting that Jones and Garcia partying together could lead to trouble, given their histories.
Jones, known for his occasional missteps outside the octagon, has landed himself in trouble in the past. He has been away from the octagon for over a year recovering after he bagged the UFC heavyweight championship. It would be hard for the UFC CEO to keep defending his declining position in the rankings if the inactivity ensues any further.
On the other hand, Garcia also had his fair share of troubles in the past year alone. Currently, he is banned for a year for the use of Ostarine in his fight against Devin Haney. Despite the ban, King Ry has vowed to fight in December.
When Jon Jones got arrested in Las Vegas
Jon Jones was arrested in Las Vegas back in September 2021. That was just hours after his UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Jones had an argument with his fiancée, Jessie Moses, at the Caesars Palace Hotel.
Moses was found with blood on her clothes and had reported a physical altercation. When police arrived, they observed blood on the bedsheets, and Moses appeared distressed but refused to file a protective order.
During the arrest, Jones became emotional, switching between anger, crying, and being cooperative. He also allegedly headbutted a police vehicle, causing damage, which led to an additional charge of vehicle tampering. The altercation reportedly began after Jones returned to the hotel after a night out. He claimed he told Moses he intended to go to a strip club and take $10,000 with him, sparking an argument.
“Here we are again.”
“You can’t even get him in Las Vegas for less than 12 hours…”
Dana White reacts to the news of Jon Jones’ arrest just hours after he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/qokM50mPyF
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) September 25, 2021
Though Jones admitted to drinking heavily, he insisted that he did not physically harm her. When taken into custody, Jones made various remarks, including a sarcastic statement about how the police should test what he could do, jokingly suggesting they should try to restrain him. After being released on $8,000 bail, Jones was scheduled to appear in court the following month.
