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 highly accomplished American mixed martial artist, currently the UFC Heavyweight Champion. He previously held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship twice and an interim title. Since turning professional in 2008, Jones has achieved recognition as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in history, holding a high ranking in the UFC's pound-for-pound list.

Sections (5)

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

December 5, 2009: Fight Against Matt Hamill

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

May 19, 2012: Arrested for driving under the influence

In the early morning of 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 (DWI). He pleaded guilty to DUI charges and faced fines, license suspension, and mandatory classes.

April 2014: Instagram post mocking eye-poking criticism

In April 2014, Jon Jones responded to criticism about eye-poking by releasing a video on Instagram where he mocked fans, simulating crying, and calling himself the "Dirtiest fighter in MMA," but the post was later deleted after facing backlash.

August 4, 2014: Scuffle with Daniel Cormier at UFC 178 promotional event

On August 4, 2014, during a promotional event for UFC 178, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier engaged in a physical altercation during a staredown, resulting in both fighters being restrained. The Nevada State Athletic Commission requested video of the incident.

September 23, 2014: Fine and Community Service for Altercation

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 involvement in an altercation with Daniel Cormier. Jones also falsely claimed to have lost a six-figure endorsement deal with Nike during the disciplinary hearing.

December 3, 2014: Random drug test administered

On December 3, 2014, Jon Jones was randomly tested for drugs, with the results showing a positive test for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, which was not banned out-of-competition.

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). He earned his fourth Fight of the Night bonus award, and it was later revealed he failed a drug test one month prior, testing positive for cocaine.

January 6, 2015: Failed drug test announced

On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Jon Jones failed a drug test prior to UFC 182, testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite. However, because it was not banned out-of-competition, he was allowed to participate in the fight.

January 19, 2015: Jones interviewed after failed drug test

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

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

On April 27, 2015, police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, sought Jon Jones in connection with a hit-and-run incident from the previous morning, where he allegedly ran a red light and crashed his rental car, fleeing the scene on foot. The charges were elevated to a felony due to injuries to a pregnant woman in another vehicle and fleeing the scene. A pipe with marijuana was found in the car.

April 29, 2015: Reebok Terminates Sponsorship

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

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

2015: Stripped of Title and Removed from Rankings

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

July 6, 2016: Jones Removed from UFC 200

On July 6, 2016, Jon Jones was removed from the 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, a urine sample from Jon Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole, leading to his withdrawal from UFC 200. Jones maintained his innocence, claiming a contaminated product, believed to be Cialis, was the cause.

November 7, 2016: Jones Suspended by USADA

On November 7, 2016, it was announced that Jon Jones had been suspended for one year by USADA, retroactive to July 7. Two days later, he was stripped of his interim title.

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 2015 accident and had not checked on the occupant of the other vehicle, taking responsibility for his actions.

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 Daniel Cormier at UFC 214. He tested positive for Turinabol, an anabolic steroid.

2017: Positive Test and Suspension

In 2017, after winning a title bout against Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones tested positive for banned substances and received a suspension; the victory was later reversed to a no contest.

2017: Turinabol Detection

In 2017, an M3 metabolite of turinabol was detected in Jon Jones' system, leading to later discussions about a "pulsing effect".

2017: Unified Rules Amended

In 2017, the Unified Rules of MMA were amended to prohibit the extension of a fighter's fingers towards the eyes of an opponent, following criticism of Jon Jones's tendency to poke opponents in the eyes.

September 2018: Jones Receives 15-Month Suspension

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

April 2019: Alleged incident with cocktail waitress

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

July 21, 2019: Charged with battery for alleged incident

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 alleged incident in April 2019 with a cocktail waitress. He received a 90-day deferred sentence, requiring him to avoid arrest, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and not return to the scene, along with paying court fees.

2019: Attempt to overturn DQ loss

In 2019, UFC president Dana White stated he was still attempting to have the result of Jon Jones's December 5, 2009 fight overturned to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

February 2020: Wilder's Earnings Reference

In February 2020, Deontay Wilder reportedly earned $25–30 million in his rematch with Tyson Fury, a sum Jon Jones referenced during a pay dispute with Dana White in May 2020.

March 26, 2020: Arrested for DWI, negligent use of a firearm, and other 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 without proof of insurance. He failed a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer test, and police found a partially empty bottle of Recuerdo Mezcal and a handgun in his vehicle.

May 2020: Conflict with Dana White Over Pay

In May 2020, after conflict with UFC President Dana White over pay, Jon Jones said he had vacated the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and wanted "Deontay Wilder money."

September 24, 2021: Arrest for domestic incident and tampering with a vehicle

On September 24, 2021, Jon Jones was arrested at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas following a domestic incident with his fiancée, Jessie Moses. He was charged with domestic battery and felony tampering with a police vehicle after allegedly headbutting the patrol vehicle. His bail was set at $16,000.

March 30, 2024: Police report filed for alleged assault

On March 30, 2024, a police report was filed by Crystal Martinez, a drug-testing agent, alleging that Jon Jones assaulted and threatened her during a urine sample collection for the UFC's anti-doping program.

April 7, 2024: Summons issued for assault and interference

On April 7, 2024, the Albuquerque Police Department issued Jon Jones a summons citing assault and interference with communications offenses related to the alleged incident with the drug-testing agent, Crystal Martinez.

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 related to the alleged incident with the drug-testing agent.

October 29, 2024: Agreement to attend 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 incident with the drug-testing agent. This agreement aimed to avoid further legal repercussions.