Jon Jones shook the MMA world to its core on Monday night. After years of dominance, drama, and unforgettable moments inside the Octagon, the UFC legend announced he’s walking away from the sport for good.
But the celebration didn’t last long. Less than 24 hours after his emotional retirement statement, Jones is back in the headlines, this time for all the wrong reasons.
The 37-year-old is now facing a criminal charge tied to a February incident in Albuquerque, casting a shadow over what should’ve been a graceful exit from a legendary career.
Criminal Charge Filed Over Hit-and-Run Incident
According to court records filed Tuesday in Albuquerque Metropolitan Court, Jones faces a misdemeanor charge for allegedly fleeing the scene of an accident. The summons orders the former champion to appear in court for a bond arraignment on July 24.
The incident dates back to February 21. Police say they discovered a woman in the passenger seat of a crashed vehicle showing signs of extreme intoxication and partially undressed, per the Albuquerque Journal. The woman identified Jones as the driver and claimed he fled the scene on foot.
She then reportedly called Jones, and a police service aide spoke with a man on the other end who was “heavily intoxicated” and made disturbing comments about employing lethal force through others. The man did not confirm his identity as Jones, but officers later interviewed Jones in person.
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Jones told police the woman had left his house earlier that day after drinking and consuming mushrooms. He claimed she called him after the crash, and he questioned the legitimacy of the person she handed the phone to, citing unprofessional language.
The woman claimed she drank and took mushrooms at Jon Jones’s home, changed clothes there, and vaguely remembered being at the crash site, but not how she got there. Jones, the last person she recalled driving, called her 13 times after the crash. Authorities took nearly four months to file the charge.
Jones’s surprise retirement ends a legendary, controversial career. With a 28-1 record and titles in two divisions, he exits as Tom Aspinall takes over the heavyweight crown, leaving behind a legacy full of greatness and questions.
Also Read: Jon Jones Announces Retirement Leaving The UFC Realm Surprised
