Jon Jones Pleads Not Guilty To Charges, Bench Trial Set

Photo: Instagram/Jon Jones

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges during a virtual court hearing in New Mexico. The charges stem from an alleged altercation with drug testing agents at his home in March.

Judge Brittany Maldonado Malott presided over the hearing. Jones, alongside his attorney Christopher Dodd, entered a not guilty plea to charges of petty misdemeanor assault and misdemeanor interference with communications.

Until his trial, Jones must adhere to specific conditions: he must obey all laws, avoid possessing firearms or dangerous weapons, refrain from consuming alcohol or illegal drugs, inform the court of any address changes, stay in contact with his attorney, and avoid any contact with the alleged victims.

Photo: Instagram/Jon Jones

Jones missed a prior hearing due to incorrect information being recorded by the court, which led to a warrant being issued. His attorney clarified that once Jones learned of the issue, he quickly contacted the court to resolve it.

The bench trial is scheduled for August 22 at 2 p.m. in New Mexico.

The charges are related to an incident on March 30, when agents from Drug Free Sport visited Jones' house for a routine sample collection as part of the UFC’s anti-doping program. Agent Crystal Martinez reported that Jones became agitated after being unable to provide a urine sample and was offered a blood test instead. Martinez alleged that Jones questioned the agents and grabbed her phone to record them, which made her feel threatened.

Jones has denied these allegations, stating he was caught off guard by the testers' unprofessionalism, leading to frustration and some regrettable language. He emphasized that he did not threaten, assault, or raise his voice to anyone.

If convicted, Jones could face up to a year in jail and fines totaling $1,500.

Jones is currently preparing for his return to the UFC after recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. He is expected to fight Stipe Miocic in a title match in November at Madison Square Garden in New York.

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Source: MMA Fighting 

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