Challenges in the Life of Jon Jones in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Jon Jones faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Jon Jones is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Heavyweight division, where he is the reigning champion. Previously a dominant Light Heavyweight Champion, holding the title from 2011-2015 and 2018-2020 (also interim champion in 2016), Jones is widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. As of November 19, 2024, he is ranked #2 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 5, 2009: Disqualification Loss to Matt Hamill

On December 5, 2009, Jon Jones fought Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale and was disqualified for using illegal 12-6 elbows.

August 6, 2011: Title Defense Sidelined by Injury

On August 6, 2011, Jon Jones was expected to have his first title defense against Rashad Evans at UFC 133, but the fight was sidelined due to a hand injury.

May 19, 2012: Jones arrested for DUI

On May 19, 2012, Jon Jones was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after crashing his car into a pole in Binghamton, New York. He later pleaded guilty to the charges.

August 12, 2014: Jones Injured, Fight Postponed

On August 12, 2014, Jones withdrew from the scheduled fight due to a leg injury sustained during training, leading to a rescheduling of the bout.

December 3, 2014: Jones undergoes random drug test

On December 3, 2014, Jon Jones was randomly tested for drugs, with the results coming back on December 23.

January 6, 2015: Jones fails drug test for cocaine metabolite

On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Jon Jones had failed a drug test prior to UFC 182, testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

January 19, 2015: Jones speaks about failed drug test

On January 19, 2015, Jon Jones was interviewed about his failed drug test and stated that he was not a cocaine addict and had made a "dumb decision."

September 29, 2015: Jones pleads guilty to leaving the scene of an accident

On September 29, 2015, Jon Jones pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and was sentenced to 18 months of supervised probation, with authorization to travel for work. This allowed him to avoid a felony charge.

2015: Title Stripped After Arrest

In 2015, Jon Jones was stripped of his title and removed from rankings after an arrest for felony hit-and-run charges.

July 8, 2016: Jones flagged for potential doping violation

On July 8, 2016, Jon Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation after testing positive for clomiphene and letrozole. This led to his removal from UFC 200.

December 2016: Jones admits to fleeing accident scene

In December 2016, Jon Jones admitted in an interview that he had run from the scene of the accident in 2015 and had not checked on the other driver involved.

August 22, 2017: Jones flagged for potential doping violation after UFC 214

On August 22, 2017, Jon Jones was flagged for another potential doping violation by USADA after testing positive for Turinabol following his fight against Daniel Cormier at UFC 214.

2017: Title Bout Result Changed

In 2017, Jon Jones's victory against Daniel Cormier was reversed to a no contest after testing positive for banned substances, leading to suspension.

2017: Turinabol detected

In 2017, an ultra trace amount of turinabol was detected which was attributed to a long-term "pulsing effect" of the M3 metabolite.

April 2019: Jones allegedly involved in battery incident

In April 2019, Jon Jones was allegedly involved in a battery incident with a cocktail waitress at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico, leading to legal charges.

July 21, 2019: Jones charged with battery

On July 21, 2019, Jon Jones was formally charged with battery related to an alleged incident in April 2019 at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

September 26, 2019: Jones pleads no contest to battery charges

On September 26, 2019, Jon Jones pleaded no contest to battery charges stemming from an incident in April 2019. He received a deferred sentence and was ordered to avoid further legal issues.

March 26, 2020: Jones arrested for DWI and firearm-related charges

On March 26, 2020, Jon Jones was arrested in Albuquerque for aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, and other charges. He failed a sobriety test and had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit. A handgun and alcohol were found in his vehicle.

September 24, 2021: Jones arrested for domestic violence and tampering with a vehicle

On September 24, 2021, Jon Jones was arrested in Las Vegas for domestic battery and tampering with a police vehicle. Police responded to a domestic incident involving his fiancée, Jessie Moses, who had visible injuries. Jones was belligerent and damaged a police vehicle. He was later released on bail.

November 11, 2023: Jones Withdraws from UFC 295 Due to Injury

On November 11, 2023, Jones was scheduled to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 but had to withdraw due to a torn pectoral tendon injury.

March 30, 2024: Drug-testing agent files police report against Jones

On March 30, 2024, a drug-testing agent, Crystal Martinez, filed a police report alleging that Jon Jones assaulted and threatened her during a visit to his home for a urine sample collection.

April 7, 2024: Jones receives summons for assault and interference

On April 7, 2024, Jon Jones was issued a summons by the Albuquerque Police Department for assault and interference with communications offenses, stemming from the incident with the drug-testing agent.

July 2024: Jones pleads not guilty to misdemeanor charges

In July 2024, Jon Jones pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of assault and interference with communications offenses, with the bench trial set for August 22, relating to an incident with a drug-testing agent.

October 29, 2024: Jones agrees to anger management classes

On October 29, 2024, Jon Jones agreed to attend four hours of anger management classes to resolve charges related to an alleged assault on a drug-testing agent.