Jon Jones may have been one of the best fighters to ever step inside the octagon, but it’s outside of it where the real trouble starts.
The controversial UFC heavyweight champion announced his abrupt retirement this past weekend before a report surfaced that he was facing a criminal charge relating to a traffic stop in Albuquerque, N.M., earlier this year.
The Albuquerque Journal reported on Saturday that Jones has a criminal summons accusing the 37-year-old of a misdemeanour charge of leaving the scene of an accident in February.
Jones has been called to appear for a bond arraignment on July 24.
On Monday, Jones’ lawyer, Christopher Dodd, fired back at the local police, calling the charge “strange and unwarranted.”
“As Jon’s lawyer,” Dodd told TMZ, “I am stunned by the Albuquerque Police Department’s decision to charge him in this new case. In the thousands of cases I have handled in my career, I have never seen a case as strange and unwarranted as this one.”
In the court document, police allege that while investigating a traffic incident they discovered a woman in the passenger seat of a car who had been “exhibiting signs of significant intoxication and lacking clothing from the waist down.”
When questioned, the woman allegedly told officers that Jones was the driver of the vehicle, but had left on foot following the crash.
“Jon was not driving that night, he wasn’t in the car,” Dodd told the outlet. “It appears that an intoxicated woman used a false allegation against Jon to avoid being arrested for DWI and the police fell for it.
“Based on the criminal complaint, it looks like they went so far as to seek a warrant for Jon’s cellphone records while conducting a misdemeanour traffic investigation. I have never heard of such a thing.”
This is far from Jones’ first brush with the law.
In 2015, Jones pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident after an incident in which he was alleged to have run a red light, crashing his rental car in a collision involving two other vehicles. Jones allegedly fled the scene on foot, leaving behind an injured pregnant woman in another vehicle.
In 2021, Jones was charged with domestic battery – which was later dropped — and tampering with a police vehicle after an alleged incident with his fiancee in Las Vegas.
He has been arrested at least four more times over the years, with charges including DWI, battery and gun-related offences.
Jones officially confirmed his retirement Saturday via social media after Dana White earlier had revealed the news.
“This decision comes after a lot of reflection and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years,” Jones wrote in a post on X.
“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe — these are memories I’ll cherish forever. I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.
“As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.
In March 2023, Jones defeated Ciryl Gane to win the UFC heavyweight championship vacated by Francis Ngannou. Jones would defend the title just once, defeating Stipe Miocic in November 2024.
Jones had opted to fight against the 42-year-old former champ despite the fact that Tom Aspinall had claimed the UFC interim heavyweight championship in November 2023, which was necessitated due to Jones’ inactivity – with the perception that Jones was ducking Aspinall.
Aspinall, who also defended his interim championship in July 2024, was promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion with Jones’ retirement.