Jon Jones Avoids Trial by Agreeing to Anger Management Classes Following Misdemeanor Charges

 

FC heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones has successfully reached an agreement to attend four hours of anger management classes, thereby averting a trial related to two misdemeanor charges stemming from a drug test incident at his New Mexico residence. The agreement was announced just as a trial was set to commence on Tuesday.

Under the terms of the deal, the charges—one of assault, classified as a petty misdemeanor, and another of interference with communication—will be dismissed if Jones completes the anger management classes and complies with all laws over the next 90 days.

Jones had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges in July. When the allegations emerged earlier this year, he labeled them as unfounded, expressing his frustration over what he characterized as unprofessional behavior by one of the drug testers. On social media, he admitted to using profanity during the encounter but claimed that he was caught off guard by the situation.

Regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial arts fighters of all time, Jones claimed the heavyweight title after a first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane in March 2023. This match marked his return to the Octagon after a three-year hiatus and his debut in the heavyweight division. Prior to this, he had established himself as a dominant light heavyweight champion, securing a record 14 title defenses.

Looking ahead, Jones is scheduled to defend his heavyweight belt against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York. This matchup was initially slated for last year but was postponed due to a pectoral injury sustained by Jones.

In his past, Jones has faced scrutiny regarding his conduct and drug testing, including a year-long suspension in 2016 for a failed drug test and a subsequent no-contest ruling for a 2017 fight due to another positive test. He has argued that changes to drug testing standards implemented by the US Anti-Doping Agency in 2019 would have altered the outcome of his previous tests.

The incident that led to the current charges began in April when a woman associated with Drug Free Sport International, which oversees drug testing for professional athletes, reported an altercation with Jones during a drug test at his home. Although she initially described Jones as cooperative, she later claimed he became agitated and made threats. However, Jones presented video evidence that he claimed showed a cordial interaction between him and the testers, asserting that they did not seem intimidated during their time at his residence.