Major Controversies Surrounding Jon Jones: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Jon Jones.

Jon Jones is a former American professional mixed martial artist, celebrated as one of the greatest of all time. He notably held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship twice (2011-2015, 2018-2020) and the Heavyweight Championship (2023-2025), in addition to an interim Light Heavyweight title in 2016. Jones competed professionally from 2008 to 2025.

Sections (5)

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

December 5, 2009: Disqualification Against Matt Hamill

On December 5, 2009, Jon Jones fought Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. He was disqualified for using illegal 12-6 elbows, marking the first time Nevada used its instant replay rule.

May 19, 2012: Jones arrested for DUI

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

April 2014: Jones mocks fans over eye-poking criticism

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

August 4, 2014: Jones and Cormier Scuffle

On August 4, 2014, during a promotional event for UFC 178, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier had a scuffle during an on-stage staredown. This led to threats and the involvement of the UFC chief legal officer and Nevada State Athletic Commission.

September 23, 2014: Jones fined and ordered to do community service

On September 23, 2014, Jon Jones was fined $50,000 and ordered to undergo 40 hours of community service by the Nevada Athletic Commission following an altercation with Daniel Cormier. Jones also admitted to fabricating a statement about losing a Nike endorsement deal.

January 6, 2015: Failed Drug Test Announcement

On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Jon Jones failed a drug test prior to UFC 182. He tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine, but was not halted from participating during UFC 182.

January 19, 2015: Jones' Interview After Failed Drug Test

On January 19, 2015, Jon Jones was interviewed for the first time since the failed drug test and said he was not a cocaine addict but made a dumb decision.

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

On April 27, 2015, police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, sought Jon Jones in connection with a hit-and-run incident early the previous morning where his rental car crashed into two other vehicles and he allegedly fled the scene. The charges were elevated to a felony due to injuries sustained by a pregnant woman in another vehicle.

April 29, 2015: Reebok terminates sponsorship

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

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. He was sentenced to up to 18 months of supervised probation and authorized to travel for work.

2015: Stripped of Title After Arrest

In 2015, Jon Jones was stripped of his UFC Light Heavyweight title and removed from rankings after being arrested on felony hit-and-run charges, marking the start of a period of controversies.

July 6, 2016: Jones Removed from UFC 200 Due to Doping Violation

On July 6, 2016, Jon Jones was removed from his bout at UFC 200 by USADA after a potential doping violation discovered on June 16.

July 8, 2016: Failed Drug Test

On July 8, 2016, a urine sample from Jon Jones tested positive for two banned substances, clomiphene and letrozole, prior to his scheduled championship bout with Cormier at UFC 200. As a result, Jones had to withdraw from the event.

November 7, 2016: Jones Suspended for One Year by USADA

On November 7, 2016, it was announced that Jon Jones had been suspended for one year by USADA, retroactive to July 7, due to a doping violation.

July 29, 2017: Jones wins and then loses Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 214

On July 29, 2017, Jon Jones fought Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, winning the fight and recapturing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship via knockout in the third round. Jones was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus. However, the result was later overturned due to a doping violation.

August 22, 2017: Potential Doping Violation Flagged

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

2017: Suspension Lifted and Subsequent Suspension

In 2017, after a prior suspension, Jon Jones faced further suspensions due to testing positive for banned substances, which resulted in a title bout victory being overturned to a no contest. His mother also passed away.

September 2018: USADA Announces Jones' Suspension of 15 Months

In September 2018, USADA announced that Jon Jones would serve a suspension of 15 months for a doping violation. This was reduced from a potential 48 months due to Jones's cooperation.

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 alleged incident in April 2019. He received a 90-day deferred sentence and was ordered to pay court fees during his unsupervised probation period.

2019: Attempt to Overturn Disqualification Result

In 2019, Dana White was still attempting to have Jon Jones's disqualification loss to Matt Hamill overturned to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, years after the original fight.

February 8, 2020: Jones Defeats Reyes at UFC 247

On February 8, 2020, Jon Jones faced Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, winning by controversial unanimous decision. With this win, Jones set a new record for most wins in UFC title fight history with 14 wins.

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

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. A partially empty bottle of Recuerdo Mezcal and a handgun were found in his vehicle.

September 24, 2021: Jones arrested for domestic battery

On September 24, 2021, Jon Jones was arrested in Las Vegas following a domestic incident at Caesars Palace. He was charged with domestic battery and tampering with a police vehicle. Police responded after Jones's youngest daughter requested help and found his fiancée with blood on her face.

March 30, 2024: Drug-testing agent reports assault

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

April 7, 2024: Jones issued a summons for assault

On April 7, 2024, Albuquerque Police Department issued Jon Jones a summons citing assault and interference with communications offenses following allegations from a drug-testing agent.

July 2024: Jones pleads not guilty to assault charges

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

October 29, 2024: Jones agrees to anger management

On October 29, 2024, Jon Jones agreed to attend four hours of anger management classes to resolve charges related to an alleged assault, potentially avoiding further legal consequences.

June 17, 2025: Criminal Summons Filed

On June 17, 2025, a criminal summons was filed in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, accusing Jones of a misdemeanor charge for allegedly fleeing the scene of a traffic accident that occurred on February 24.