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 a celebrated former American mixed martial artist, competing from 2008 to 2024, predominantly in the UFC. He held the UFC Light Heavyweight title twice, the interim Light Heavyweight title in 2016, and the UFC Heavyweight title from 2023 to 2025. Jones is one of few UFC fighters to win titles in two different weight classes and defend titles in two different divisions. He is widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists in history.

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 but was disqualified for using illegal 12–6 elbows, resulting in a loss.

August 6, 2011: Title Defense Postponed

Jon Jones's first title defense, expected on August 6, 2011, at UFC 133 against Rashad Evans, was sidelined due to a hand injury.

May 19, 2012: Jones Arrested for DUI

On May 19, 2012, Jon Jones drove his Bentley Continental GT into a pole in Binghamton, New York, and was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).

September 21, 2013: Jones vs. Gustafsson at UFC 165

On September 21, 2013, at UFC 165, Jon Jones faced Alexander Gustafsson. Jones won via unanimous decision despite suffering a cut above his eye in the first round. The fight earned both fighters the Fight of the Night bonus award and was highly praised, later being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing.

April 2014: Jones Mocks Eye-Poking Criticism

In April 2014, Jon Jones released a video on Instagram mocking fans who criticized him for repeatedly poking his opponents in the eyes.

August 4, 2014: Jones and Cormier Scuffle at UFC 178 Promotional Event

On August 4, 2014, during a promotional event for UFC 178, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier briefly scuffled after Jones pressed his forehead against Cormier's forehead. Cormier shoved Jones by the throat, and Jones responded by throwing a punch. Cormier later expressed a desire to spit in Jones' face, to which Jones threatened to kill Cormier.

August 12, 2014: Jones Withdraws from UFC 178

On August 12, 2014, it was announced that Jon Jones had sustained a leg injury in training, causing him to withdraw from UFC 178. The bout was rescheduled.

September 23, 2014: Jones Fined and Ordered to Community Service by Nevada Athletic Commission

On September 23, 2014, Jon Jones was fined $50,000 and ordered to undergo 40 hours of community service by the Nevada Athletic Commission for his altercation with Daniel Cormier. He initially claimed to have lost a six-figure endorsement deal with Nike but later admitted to fabricating the statement.

December 3, 2014: Random Drug Test

On December 3, 2014, Jon Jones was randomly tested for drugs. The results later came back positive for benzoylecgonine.

January 6, 2015: Failed Drug Test Announcement

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

January 19, 2015: Jones Interviewed After Failed Drug Test

On January 19, 2015, Jon Jones was interviewed for the first time since the failed drug test, stating that he was not a cocaine addict and had made a "really dumb decision."

April 27, 2015: Jones Sought in Hit-and-Run Investigation

On April 27, 2015, Albuquerque police stated that Jon Jones was wanted in connection with a hit-and-run from the previous morning. He allegedly ran a red light and crashed his rental car into two other vehicles, fleeing the scene on foot and leaving an injured pregnant woman behind. The charges were elevated to a felony.

April 29, 2015: Reebok Terminates Jones' Sponsorship

On April 29, 2015, Reebok terminated their sponsorship with Jon Jones following his involvement in a hit-and-run incident. Jones also lost his sponsorship with MuscleTech a day later.

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 up to 18 months of supervised probation, authorized to travel for work. He completed 72 appearances for charity or youth outreach, avoiding a felony charge.

2015: Stripped of Title

In 2015, Jon Jones was stripped of his light heavyweight title and removed from the official UFC rankings after being arrested on felony hit-and-run charges.

July 8, 2016: Failed Drug Test Before UFC 200

On July 8, 2016, it was revealed that a urine sample from Jon Jones tested positive for banned substances, clomiphene and letrozole, before his scheduled fight with Cormier at UFC 200.

December 2016: Jones Admits to Fleeing Hit-and-Run Scene

In December 2016, Jon Jones admitted he had run from the scene of the accident and had not checked on the occupant of the other vehicle.

2016: Victorious Return, Cut Short

In 2016, Jon Jones returned to the UFC and won a title bout against Ovince Saint Preux. However, this return was cut short due to Jones testing positive for banned substances and receiving a suspension.

August 22, 2017: Potential Doping Violation Announced

On August 22, 2017, it was announced that Jon Jones was flagged for a potential doping violation by USADA, stemming from a test sample collected on July 28, one day before his rematch against Cormier at UFC 214. He tested positive for Turinabol.

2017: Suspension and No Contest

In 2017, Jon Jones won against Daniel Cormier, but the victory was reversed to a no contest after he tested positive for banned substances and received another suspension.

2017: Unified Rules Amended Regarding Eye Pokes

In 2017, the Unified Rules were amended to prohibit extending a fighter's fingers towards the eyes of an opponent, following criticism of Jon Jones' history of eye-poking.

March 2, 2019: Jones vs. Smith at UFC 235

On March 2, 2019, Jon Jones faced Anthony Smith at UFC 235, winning via unanimous decision despite an illegal knee that resulted in a point deduction.

April 2019: Alleged Battery Incident at Albuquerque Strip Club

In April 2019, Jon Jones was allegedly involved in a battery incident with a cocktail waitress at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The waitress claimed Jones slapped, choked, kissed, and touched her inappropriately.

July 21, 2019: Jones Charged with Battery

On July 21, 2019, it was reported that Jon Jones had been charged with battery for an alleged incident in April 2019 involving a cocktail waitress 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 with a cocktail waitress. He received a 90-day deferred sentence and was ordered to avoid arrest, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and not return to the scene.

March 26, 2020: Jones Arrested for DWI and Firearm Possession

On March 26, 2020, Jon Jones was arrested in Albuquerque for aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, possession of an open container, and driving with no proof of insurance. He failed a field sobriety test and registered a BAC more than twice the legal limit. A partially empty bottle of Recuerdo Mezcal and a black handgun were found in his vehicle.

September 24, 2021: Jones Arrested for Domestic Incident and Tampering with Police Vehicle

In the early hours of September 24, 2021, Jon Jones was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada, following a domestic incident at Caesars Palace involving his fiancée, Jessie Moses. He was charged with domestic battery and tampering with a police vehicle after headbutting the hood of a patrol car and making threats. His bail was set at $16,000.

February 23, 2022: Jones Announces Fiancée Split

On February 23, 2022, Jon Jones announced via Twitter that his fiancée, Jessie, had left him approximately two months prior.

November 11, 2023: Jones Pulls Out of UFC 295 Due to Injury

On November 11, 2023, Jon Jones was forced to withdraw from his scheduled title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 after tearing a pectoral tendon.

March 30, 2024: Drug-Testing Agent Reports Assault and Threats by Jones

On March 30, 2024, Crystal Martinez, a drug-testing agent from Drug Free Sport, filed a police report stating that Jon Jones allegedly assaulted her and threatened to kill her during a visit to his home while collecting a urine sample as part of the UFC's anti-doping program.

April 7, 2024: Albuquerque Police Issue Summons to Jones

On April 7, 2024, the Albuquerque Police Department issued Jon Jones a summons citing assault and interference with communications offenses, related to 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 related to the incident with the drug-testing agent. The bench trial was initially set for August 22 but was postponed.

October 29, 2024: Jones Resolves Charges by Attending Anger Management Classes

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

June 17, 2025: Criminal Summons Filed

On June 17, 2025, a criminal summons was filed in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, accusing Jon Jones of a misdemeanor for allegedly fleeing the scene of a traffic accident that occurred earlier in the year.