UFC heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones is facing two misdemeanor charges for allegedly threatening a drug tester in March.
UFC heavyweight champ Jon “Bones” Jones is facing two misdemeanor charges after intimidating a drug test worker back in March.
Bones faces up to a year of jail time and a total of $1,500 in fees, as relayed by MMA Junkie. The latest run-in with authorities prompted further concern over the famed fighter’s well-being.
The incident occurred at Jones’ home in New Mexico on June 30 when the drug tester set the 36-year-old fighter off by requesting a urine sample. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) issued a summons to Jones for assault and interference with communication.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 29: Jon Jones celebrates his victory after defeating Sweden's Alexander Gustafsson by knockout in the light heavyweight bout at the UFC 232 event inside The Forum in Inglewood, California on December 29, 2018. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
According to DFSI (Drug Free Sport International) officials, Jones appeared to be intoxicated when he verbally attacked her after she demanded a urine sample, confiscated her mobile phone and even made death threats against the official.
Jones allegedly told the workers, “Why are you coming so early? Do you know what happens to people that come to my house? They end up dying.”
Jones had previously denied allegations that he had harassed DFSI employees on social media.
“I want to address the reports that I threatened a drug tester's life and took his phone,” Jones wrote on Instagram.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 07: Mixed martial artist Jon Jones breaks down in tears as he speaks during a press conference at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on July 7, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada about being removed from his light heavyweight title fight against Daniel Cormier at UFC 200 for a possible violation of UFC's anti-doping policy. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“I want to clarify that there is a video that shows two drug testers leaving my house after the testing session. We exchanged high-fives and hugs. I was annoyed at the unprofessionalism and used foul language out of frustration, but it ended amicably and peacefully and was not threatening at all. I was actually celebrating a friend's birthday party at home and I believe it is completely normal to celebrate in the comfort of your own home.”
“I must say that the inspector's behavior was extremely unprofessional and in violation of standard protocol under HIPAA law. I have been drug tested for 20 years and have never encountered an incident like this from a DCO employee.”
Jones' next hearing, scheduled online, is scheduled for July 17.
While off-canvas issues have plagued Jones' career and negatively impacted one of the best careers ever built by a UFC star, Jones' 27-1 (1 no-kick) record and two UFC light heavyweight titles make him one of the sport's all-time greats inside the Octagon.
Jones has been away from UFC since 2020 but returned in his most recent bout in March 2023, defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 by first-round submission.
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