UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has been arrested by Albuquerque Police earlier today according to MMAfighting.com. He has since been released from custody.
Jon Jones arrested for DWI and firearms offences
Jones, who on Feburary 8th of this year broke the record for UFC title wins after a closely contested battle with contender Dominic Reyes, was arrested earlier today after officers responded to reports of gunshots. They discovered an intoxicated Jones in his car with a handgun and a bottle of alcohol. The champion denied knowledge of the gunfire, but revealed to police that he had been driving. He also mentioned he intended to drive further that night. Jones was then arrested after failing a breathalyser test. Jones was charged with negligent use of a firearm as well as aggravated driving while intoxicated. He was additionally charged with possession of an open container and for driving without proof of insurance.
Jon Jones’s history of controversy
Jones’ resume of victories inside the cage have only been matched by controversy outside of it. Jones was arrested in 2012 for driving under the influence. Jones had struck a lamppost with his vehicle. In 2015 Jones turned himself in after being charged for a hit-and-run. He had struck two vehicles before fleeing the scene. This incident resulted in Jones being stripped of his belt due to violating the UFC Code of Conduct. In 2019 he was charged for battery of a strip club waitress who accused him of slapping her, choking her and kissing and touching her against her consent. Jones pled no contest to the charges.
Before the cancellations caused by COVID-19, there was much speculation that Jones would defend his belt in either a rematch with rematch Reyes or a fight with light heavyweight contender Jan Blachowicz. UFC Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has also stated his desire to eventually move up and fight Jones.
