Major Controversies Surrounding Jon Jones: A Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Jon Jones.
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.
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.
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.
April 2014: Jones Responds to Eye-Poking Criticism
In April 2014, Jones responded to criticism about repeatedly poking opponents in the eyes by releasing a mocking video on Instagram, which he later deleted.
August 4, 2014: Jones and Cormier Scuffle at UFC 178 Promotion
During a promotional event on August 4, 2014, Jones and Daniel Cormier scuffled during an on-stage staredown, resulting in both fighters being restrained.
September 23, 2014: Jones Fined and Ordered to Community Service
On September 23, 2014, Jones was fined $50,000 and ordered to undergo 40 hours of community service by the Nevada Athletic Commission due to the altercation with Cormier.
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."
April 27, 2015: Jones Sought in Hit-and-Run
On April 27, 2015, Jon Jones was sought by Albuquerque police in connection with a hit-and-run incident where he allegedly crashed into two vehicles and fled the scene.
April 29, 2015: Reebok Terminates Sponsorship with Jones
On April 29, 2015, Reebok terminated their sponsorship with Jones following his involvement in a hit-and-run incident.
May 23, 2015: Jones Removed from UFC 187
Jones was expected to defend his title against Anthony Johnson on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187, but was stripped of the belt and suspended from the UFC indefinitely.
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 6, 2016: Jones Removed from UFC 200
On July 6, 2016, Jon Jones was removed from the UFC 200 bout by USADA due to a potential doping violation.
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.
November 7, 2016: Jones Suspended by USADA
On November 7, 2016, Jones was suspended for one year by USADA, retroactive to July 7.
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.
2016: Victory against Ovince Saint Preux
In 2016, Jon Jones emerged victorious against Ovince Saint Preux, but the victory was cut short by Jones testing positive for banned substances and receiving further suspensions.
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.
September 2018: Jones Receives Suspension of 15 Months
In September 2018, USADA announced that Jones would serve a suspension of 15 months due to anti-doping offences, reduced from a potential 48 months due to cooperation.
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.
2019: Attempt to Overturn Loss
In 2019, Dana White mentioned he was still attempting to have Jon Jones's loss to Matt Hamill overturned to a no contest.
February 8, 2020: Jones Defeats Dominick Reyes at UFC 247
On February 8, 2020, Jones defeated Dominick Reyes via a controversial unanimous decision at UFC 247, setting a new record for most wins in UFC title fights.
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.
May 2020: Jones Disputes with Dana White
In May 2020, Jones had a conflict with UFC President Dana White over pay, leading him to consider vacating his title and targeting a fight with Francis Ngannou.
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.
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.
