UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones could face prison time following an alleged altercation with a drug tester in March.
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“Bones” has dealt with a number of high-profile legal issues throughout his illustrious fighting career, the most recent of which occurred on March 30, when drug testers from UFC's Drug Free Sport visited his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and reportedly confronted an uncooperative Jones.
Damon Martin reports that Jones has been charged with misdemeanor assault and misdemeanor interference with communications, both of which carry possible fines and prison time if convicted.
Both charges carry a combined fine of $1,500 and a possible jail sentence of less than a year, and Jones is scheduled for a virtual bail hearing in his home state of New Mexico on July 17.
While this is far from the worst legal situation Jones has faced in his career, it's certainly not a good look for the 36-year-old as he tries to get fans hyped for his bout with Stipe Miocic, which was scheduled as the main event of UFC 295 last year.
With UFC insisting on rebooking Jones vs. Miocic despite interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall being scheduled to defend his title at UFC 304 this month, some fans are questioning Jones' status as heavyweight champion given that he returned from a three-year hiatus to win the belt at UFC 285 and hasn't fought since.
It remains to be seen whether Jones will be found guilty for his behavior toward drug testers and how that will change his fight plans with Miocic, but “Bones” recently teased fans with a post claiming he will be making his return at Madison Square Garden in November.
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