Jon Jones faced a judge on Tuesday for misdemeanor charges of assault and interference with communications. The bench trial took shape on Tuesday. “Bones” had to answer for the alleged assault of drug pool testers before UFC 309. Judge Asra I. Elliott approved the terms of a proposed plea agreement between the two parties to dismiss the charges.
Per ABQ Raw, ‘drunk’ Jon Jones threatened to kill a Drug Free Sports International (DFSI) agent for showing up unannounced in March. However, he refuted those claims and provided video evidence that shows otherwise. Jones, who appeared in court virtually with attorney Christopher Dodd, faced two misdemeanor charges of assault and interference. Jones himself took to X to address the settlement.
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 upcoming fight. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to defend my heavyweight title on November 16th at Madison Square Garden.
Jon Jones via X (@JonnyBones)
Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the charges provided Jones had four hours of anger management sessions. He also has to stay out of trouble for 90 days. The UFC heavyweight champion is thus in the clear for UFC 309, the next numbered pay-per-view (PPV) event of the year. It sees him finally make a maiden defense of the 265-pound gold against Stipe Miocic.
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 upcoming fight. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to defend my heavyweight title on November 16th…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 29, 2024
That is, assuming Jones can keep his nose clean for UFC 309. Recently, he attended the Noche UFC PPV at the Las Vegas Sphere. UFC CEO Dana White was worried about Jones partying with Ryan Garcia. Last year, an injury forced Jones out of the MSG PPV event. This time around, Jones appears to be fully healthy and ready to defend his heavyweight crown.
UFC 309 odds: Jon Jones swells to massive betting favorite for return
With UFC 308 in the books, the promotion turns its attention to its annual New York pay-per-view. During the UFC 308 telecast, the promotion officially announced the 13-fight, five main card, and eight prelims lineup. UFC 309 returns to Madison Square Garden on November 16, headlined by a highly-anticipated heavyweight title bout.
When UFC 309 main event odds were released following its official booking last month, Jones opened as a -410 favorite. Miocic was a +320 underdog on DraftKings on September 16. However, the odds have shifted dramatically over the past month, with DraftKings now listing Jones at -550 and Miocic at +410.
Public money is propping heavy for the champ’s return, even though he has had an incumbent reign so far. The spreads are even bigger at two other prominent online bookmakers, FanDuel and BetMGM. FanDuel has Jones at -620 and Miocic at +400, while BetMGM has Jones at -700.
The 37-year-old Jones has only fought once since February 2020. But perhaps Miocic and his age are the reason why. The least he is known for these days is some active snippets (fit check) and returning to first pitch for Cleveland Guardians, topping off the Chicago White Sox by 7-6.
UFC CEO Dana White and Co. have dropped celebratory career montages on it. White upped the dime and went to war with media scrum separately, billing Jon Jones as the ‘absolute best’ proven top pound-for-pound fighter. Now, the public money is floating his return as that of any other active champ.
