The bench trial for UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones took place Tuesday in Bernalillo County court in Albuquerque, N.M., with an agreement reached between the defense and prosecutors for dismissal of his charges.
Jones, who appeared in court virtually with attorney Christopher Dodd, faced two misdemeanor charges of assault and interference with communications. After a proposal of a plea adjudication diversion agreement between the two parties, Judge Asra I. Elliott approved the terms that the charges will be dismissed so 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 March 30 altercation with two UFC anti-doping agents from Drug Free Sport International at Jones’ home in Albuquerque. Crystal Martinez, one of the agents, accused Jones of threatening her and taking her phone during an attempt to collect a urine sample.
Martinez was also present virtually for Tuesday’s hearing. She did not speak.
Jones issued a statement on social media shortly after his court appearance.
I would like to extend my thanks to the justice system for reaching a prompt resolution in this matter, which affirms my innocence and enables me to maintain my focus on the upcoming fight. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to defend my heavyweight title on November 16th…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 29, 2024
Martinez told police Jones seemed and smelled like he was intoxicated from alcohol. She alleged Jones put her phone in his pocket, “got into her face,” and said, “Why you f*cking people come 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 shared home surveillance video appearing to show a high-five exchange with the worker. He later pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Jones is in the middle of a long layoff but is set to return Nov. 16 in the UFC 309 main event vs. Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden in New York. He hasn’t competed since March 2023, when he claimed the vacant UFC heavyweight title with a first-round submission of Ciryl Gane.
