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 achieved significant success in the UFC, holding the Light Heavyweight Championship twice (2011-2015, 2018-2020) and the Heavyweight Championship (2023-2025). He also held the interim Light Heavyweight title in 2016. His career spanned 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 and 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 driving his Bentley Continental GT into a pole in Binghamton, New York, leading to legal consequences and license suspension.

April 2014: Jones mocks fans in Instagram video

In April 2014, Jon Jones released a video on Instagram mocking fans who criticized him for eye-poking, simulating crying and labeling himself the "dirtiest fighter in MMA."

August 4, 2014: Scuffle between Jones and Cormier during UFC 178 promotional event

On August 4, 2014, during a promotional event for UFC 178, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier engaged in a scuffle, initiated by Jones pressing his forehead against Cormier's, leading to a physical altercation and threats.

September 23, 2014: Jones fined and ordered to community service for altercation with Cormier

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 role in the altercation with Daniel Cormier.

December 3, 2014: Random drug test administered to Jones

On December 3, 2014, Jon Jones was randomly tested for drugs. The results, which came back on December 23, showed a positive result for benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine.

January 3, 2015: Jones Defeats Cormier at UFC 182

On January 3, 2015, Jon Jones defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 49–46), earning his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award. However, he later failed a drug test for cocaine one month prior.

January 6, 2015: Jones fails drug test

On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Jon Jones failed a drug test prior to UFC 182, testing positive for benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine. The NSAC couldn't halt Jones from participating as the substance was not banned out-of-competition by WADA.

January 19, 2015: Jones interviewed after failed drug test

On January 19, 2015, Jon Jones was interviewed following his failed drug test. During the interview, Jones stated that he wasn't a cocaine addict or a frequent user, but rather made a "really dumb decision" and got caught.

April 27, 2015: Police seek Jones in connection with hit and run incident

On April 27, 2015, Albuquerque police reported that Jon Jones was being sought in connection with a hit and run that occurred early that morning where he allegedly ran a red light and crashed his rental car in a collision involving two other vehicles, fleeing the scene on foot.

April 29, 2015: Reebok terminates sponsorship with Jones

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

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.

2015: Stripped of Title and Arrested

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

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

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

July 8, 2016: Jones tests positive for banned substances

On July 8, 2016, it was revealed that a urine sample from Jon Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole, both banned substances, before his fight with Cormier at UFC 200. As a result, Jones had to withdraw from the event.

November 7, 2016: USADA Suspends Jones for One Year

On November 7, 2016, it was announced that Jon Jones had been suspended for one year by USADA, retroactive to July 7, following a doping violation. He was also stripped of his interim title.

December 2016: Jones admits to fleeing scene of accident

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 occupant of the other vehicle.

August 22, 2017: Jones flagged for potential doping violation by USADA

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

2017: Detection of M3 metabolite

In 2017, Jon Jones's drug tests detected the M3 metabolite of Turinabol. This later factored into decisions regarding his eligibility to fight in subsequent years.

2017: Positive test for banned substances

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

2017: Unified Rules amended to prohibit extending fingers towards opponent's eyes

In 2017, the Unified Rules were amended to prohibit extension of a fighter's fingers towards the eyes of an opponent, partly influenced by criticism of Jon Jones's eye-poking incidents.

September 2018: USADA Announces 15-Month Suspension

In September 2018, USADA announced that Jon Jones would serve a 15-month suspension for a doping violation, reduced from a potential 48 months due to his cooperation and degree of fault.

March 2, 2019: Jones Defeats Anthony Smith at UFC 235

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

April 2019: Alleged incident at strip club in Albuquerque

In April 2019, Jon Jones was allegedly involved in an incident at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which later led to battery charges.

July 21, 2019: Jones charged with battery for alleged incident at strip club

On July 21, 2019, Jon Jones was reported to have 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 at a strip club and received a 90-day deferred sentence.

2019: Attempt to overturn DQ loss

In 2019, Dana White attempted to have Jon Jones's disqualification loss to Matt Hamill overturned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

February 8, 2020: Jones Defeats Dominick Reyes at UFC 247

On February 8, 2020, Jon Jones faced Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, winning via controversial unanimous decision and setting a new record for most wins in UFC title fight history with 14 wins.

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, possession of an open container, and driving with no proof of insurance.

May 2020: Conflict with Dana White Over Pay

In May 2020, Jon Jones had a conflict with UFC President Dana White over pay, leading to his later decision to vacate the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

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

In the early hours of September 24, 2021, Jon Jones was arrested in Las Vegas for domestic battery and tampering with a police vehicle following a domestic incident at Caesars Palace resort hotel.

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

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

April 7, 2024: Jones issued summons for assault and interference with communications

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 related to the alleged assault and interference with communications offenses during a visit from a drug-testing agent, with a bench trial initially set for August 22nd.

October 29, 2024: Jones agrees to anger management classes to resolve charges

On October 29, 2024, Jon Jones agreed to attend four hours of anger management classes in order to resolve the charges against him, related to the incident with the drug-testing agent.

June 17, 2025: Criminal summons filed against Jones

On June 17, 2025, Jon Jones faced a criminal summons in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. He was accused of a misdemeanor for allegedly fleeing the scene of a traffic accident that occurred in February. The incident involved a woman found significantly intoxicated and partially unclothed, who claimed Jones was driving and fled. During a call after the incident, police allege Jones appeared intoxicated and made statements implying the use of lethal force through third parties.