UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones Pleads Not Guilty to Misdemeanor Charges

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two misdemeanor charges stemming from a contentious drug test at his New Mexico home. The charges include assault and interference with communication, both related to a March testing session.

Jones appeared alongside his attorney during a virtual hearing where the pleas were entered on his behalf. An Albuquerque judge allowed Jones to remain free pending trial.

The UFC star has vowed to contest the charges, which he described as baseless when the allegations were first made public. On social media, Jones accused one of the testers of unprofessionalism, saying he cursed out of frustration but denied any physically threatening behavior.

“However, I want to emphasize that at no point did I threaten, get in anyone’s face, raise my voice to anyone or engage in any form of assault,” Jones stated on social media.

Jones, widely regarded as one of MMA’s top fighters, claimed the heavyweight title over a year ago with a first-round submission victory against Ciryl Gane. This bout marked his return to the ring after a three-year hiatus and his debut in the heavyweight division.

Jones, who holds a record 14 title wins as a light heavyweight, has faced previous drug-related suspensions. In 2016, he was suspended for a year due to a failed drug test, and his 2017 victory over Daniel Cormier was overturned to a no-contest after another positive test.

Jones later argued that he would have passed under the revised 2019 standards of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

The charges against Jones originated from a report filed with police by a woman working for Drug Free Sport International, which conducts tests for professional athletes.

The woman accused Jones of threatening her, taking her phone, and cursing at her during the testing session at his home. According to the criminal complaint, the woman initially described Jones as cooperative but said he became agitated.

Jones told police he mistakenly picked up what he thought was his own phone and apologized for his behavior. He shared video footage from what appeared to be a home camera, showing the woman giving him a high-five before leaving. He maintained that neither she nor her colleague seemed scared during the interaction.

Jones is expected to continue defending his title while addressing these legal challenges.