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The UFC‘s light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is in serious legal hot water as the result of a hit-and-run accident this past weekend in Albuquerque, N.M. Police issued an arrest warrant for Jones, and after he turned himself in to authorities, he was booked on a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident involving death or personal injuries. The early Sunday morning collision left a pregnant woman with a broken arm. Jones is alleged to have ran a red light leading to the crash. He was freed after posting a $2,500 bond.
According to the police report, which was first obtained by MMAFighting.com, Jones was identified by an off-duty officer, who just happened to be a UFC fan, leaving the scene of the accident. Witnesses claim he went back to his vehicle to gather up a large pile of cash. Marijuana and associated paraphernalia were also discovered in his rental car. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that “Bones” has made major headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent months.
His impressive unanimous decision victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 in January was somewhat tainted by the news that he had tested positive for cocaine during an out-of-competition drug test. Jones, who admitted to making a “really dumb decision” and did what amounted to a token one-night rehab stint, was eventually fined $25,000 for violating the UFC’s code of conduct policy.
Keep in mind, there was also a highly publicized brawl between the two men in August at the MGM Grand during a media event that was to promote their initially scheduled meeting at UFC 178. The Jones vs. Cormier bout was eventually pushed back to early January because of an injury suffered by the champion.
The pound-for-pound king has made a record eight-successful title defenses, and is scheduled to defend his title at UFC 187 on May 23 in Las Vegas against hard-hitting No. 1 contender Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. That bout would appear to be in major jeopardy, although as of this writing it hadn’t been cancelled. It would be rather strange to see the fight actually go ahead given the huge distraction of the champ’s legal situation. Jones is obviously considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The UFC clearly has cause for alarm with what’s been transpiring with Jones’ behavior. He also had a DUI back in 2012. That incident saw him receive a minor fine and his license was suspended. It’ll be interesting to see the ramifications that are brought about from this latest incident involving the Octagon superstar. The 27-year-old Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA product could be looking at possible jail time for the charge that’s been levied against him.
It’s clear that both the organization and Jones will need to take the appropriate action in the wake of this latest unfortunate episode. A supremely talented champion is seemingly coming unglued and it’s a matter that can’t be swept under the rug any longer.
The UFC could make a serious statement by stripping their longtime champion of his belt. It definitely could prove to be the wake-up call that he appears to be in need of. It seems as though his life outside the Octagon is proving to be more difficult than the challenges that he faces inside of it.
The organization could elect to have Johnson possibly face another opponent on May 23 for the full or interim 205-pound belt. Whatever the scenario, they should play second fiddle to the bigger issue of getting Jones’ personal life in order.
Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports
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