UFC champion Jon Jones has had his misdemeanor charge dropped pending terms

The bench trial for UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones took place Tuesday in Bernalillo County Court in Albuquerque, NM, with an agreement reached between the defense and prosecutors to dismiss his charges.

Jones, who appeared in court virtually alongside defense attorney Christopher Dodd, faced two charges of assault and interference with communications. Following a proposed plea bargain diversion agreement between the two sides, Judge Asra I. Elliott approved terms that the charges will be dismissed as long as Jones completes four hours of anger management courses and stays out of legal trouble for the next 90 days. .

The charges stem from an alleged altercation on March 30 with two UFC anti-doping agents from Drug Free Sport International at Jones’ home in Albuquerque. Crystal Martinez, one of the officers, accused Jones of threatening her and taking her phone while attempting to collect a urine sample.

Martinez also attended the hearing virtually on Tuesday. She didn’t speak.

Jones released a statement on social media shortly after his court appearance.

I would like to express my gratitude to the legal system for achieving a quick resolution in this matter, which confirms my innocence and allows me to keep my focus on the battle ahead. I eagerly await the opportunity to defend my heavyweight title on November 16th…

— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 29, 2024

Martinez told police that Jones looked and smelled like he was intoxicated with alcohol. She claimed Jones put her phone in his pocket, “got in her face” and said, “Why are you bloody people coming so early?” Do you know what happens to people who come to my house? They end up dead.”

Jones quickly denied the allegations after reports of the incident surfaced and a shared home surveillance video appeared to show a high-five conversation with the employee. Him later pleaded not guilty to the accusations.

Jones is in the middle of a lengthy layoff but will return in the UFC 309 main event against Stipe Miocic on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York. He hasn’t competed since March 2023, when he claimed the vacant UFC heavyweight title an entry for the first round by Ciryl Gane.