On Wednesday, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones entered a plea of “not guilty” to misdemeanor charges. Jones, 36, appeared virtually with attorney Christopher Dodd for the Bernalillo County (N.M.) court arraignment. Judge Brittany Maldonado Malott was presiding over the hearing.
Jon Jones was facing misdemeanor charges of assault and interference with communications, filed back in March. Allegedly, the heavyweight champ had gone rough and brazenly threatened the DFSI testing pool agents. Crystal Martinez, one of the agents, reported being inches away from a violent incident.
After Jones was released on his recognizance, Judge Malott set conditions for his continued release. It includes certain terms that he cannot violate any laws, not possess any firearms, and not consume any alcohol or illegal drugs. It is not uncommon, given Jones’ history of run-ins with the law. It also requires him not to contact the victims in the case. MMA Fighting on SBN first reported details of the proceeding.
Jones has admitted to drug and alcohol misuse and routinely posts videos of his gun collection. Even a stint in rehab didn’t stop ‘Bones’ from becoming “blackout drunk” before fights. Hence, the laundry list of pre-trial conditions for Jones’ misdemeanor charges becomes paramount.
Will Jon Jones’ pre-trial stipulations impede his return to octagon?
Jones, who will be 37 years old on July 19, is on a long layoff. He hasn’t fought since March 2023, snagging the vacant UFC heavyweight gold with a first-round submission over Ciryl Gane. Thereafter, he has laid claim to yet again being an all-time G.O.A.T. but has had no ballot appearances.
Will Jon Jones’ misdemeanor charges hamper his legacy return? (Source: heavy.com/X)Consequently. Jon Jones was to defend his undisputed gold against Stipe Miocic last November. However, he underwent a pectoral tear and a subsequent elbow surgery that stalled the division. Jones vs. Miocic is supposed to be rebilled and headline UFC 309 this November at MSG.
Jones’s latest legal drama shouldn’t interfere with his (possible) November Octagon return. Unless things take a dramatic twist for the worst at his upcoming trial, it is set in motion. He awaits a bench trial, but there’s no date for the hearing yet. The current Jones misdemeanor charges stem from a March 30 altercation with two UFC anti-doping testers from Drug-Free Sport International at Jones’ home.
The Albuquerque native denied allegations of violently confronting them; he even provided video surveillance footage detailing a high-five exchange with the worker. While the details of the incident remain very smokey, it should not further hinder his imminent return to fighting.
