Jon Jones, who officially announced his retirement from MMA on Saturday, is now facing new legal issues related to a hit-and-run incident in New Mexico. Court documents reveal that Jones was charged on June 17 for leaving the scene of an accident without causing great bodily harm or death, a misdemeanor offense connected to an event dated February 24. Jones is scheduled for a bond arraignment hearing on June 24.
Details of the Incident and Police Findings
The Albuquerque Journal reported that the charge involves a car accident where a woman was found in the front passenger seat of one vehicle, showing signs of significant intoxication and lacking clothing from the waist down. The woman identified Jones as the driver, who reportedly fled the scene on foot. Afterward, she called Jones’s phone, and a police service aide stated that the person believed to be Jones on the call appeared heavily intoxicated and made threats hinting at the use of lethal force through others.
When officers later contacted Jones, he allegedly made indirect references to violence but refused to directly identify himself. Police interviewed Jones in person days later, during which he explained the woman had left his house earlier intoxicated and contacted him after the accident. Jones said the person she handed the phone to immediately used unprofessional language, casting doubt on their official claim, according to police.
Statements from the Woman Involved in the Crash
The female passenger admitted to police that she consumed alcohol and mushrooms at Jones’s residence and needed to change clothes before the incident. Her memory resumed only at the accident scene, and she confirmed that Jones was the last person she recalled driving the vehicle. Authorities noted Jones contacted her 13 times by phone and sent text messages from the moment of the crash until the following morning.
Background of Past Legal Problems for Jon Jones
This is not the first time Jon Jones has faced legal issues related to traffic incidents. In 2015, he was arrested on felony charges for a hit-and-run accident where he ran a red light and collided with two cars, including one carrying a pregnant driver. Jones fled the scene on foot but later pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and was sentenced to supervised probation and community service. As a result, the UFC stripped him of his light heavyweight title and suspended him.
Jon Jones has also struggled with multiple driving while intoxicated (DWI) allegations throughout his career, further complicating his public image.
Retirement Announcement and What Lies Ahead
The announcement of this new charge arrives on the same day Jones declared his retirement as the UFC heavyweight champion. Jones last competed in November 2024 and had been uncertain about returning to the sport. Following his decision to retire, Tom Aspinall was promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion. Jones is expected to appear in court on June 24 to address the legal matter, which could result in further consequences.