Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has had quite the storied career, filled equal parts with its ups and downs. Here is a look at all of the troubles that have blemished the candidate for greatest fighter of time’s career over the years.
Back in 2011, Jon Jones became the youngest UFC champion of all time at the age of 23-years old. A year later, Jones was penalized for getting a D.U.I. after driving his Bentley into a traffic pole.
In 2012, Jon Jones reportedly refused to fight Chael Sonnen on short notice. The fighter was initially set to face off against Dan Henderson. When Jones was left without ample time to train for a new opponent, the fighter refused the match.
In 2014, Jones entered a brawl with heated rival Daniel Cormier during a press tour. The fighter was fined $50,000 and 40 hours of community service.
In 2015, Jon Jones tested positive for cocaine. The failed drug test led to a $25,000 fine from the UFC.
Later that same year, Jones was involved in a hit-and-run felony incident that concerned a pregnant woman. Jones fled the scene before turning himself in to the police. The fighter was later stripped of his UFC light heavyweight title for the incident. Avoiding jail time, Jones performed 18 months probation.
In 2016, Jon Jones was taken to jail in Albuquerque for violating his parole. The former champion was caught purchasing five tickets to drag racing. When confronted by an officer, Jones was recorded being aggressive and heated with the policeman. The fighter was then ordered to take anger management and driving classes.
Later that same year, Jon Jones was flagged by USADA for failing a drug test. Consequently, Jones was pulled from his highly anticipated match up against Daniel Cormier at UFC 200. The fighter was stripped of his UFC interim light heavyweight title once again and Jones was suspended for one year.
In 2017, Jon Jones returned from his suspension and faced Daniel Cormier at UFC 214. Defeating Cormier, Jones was once again the division champion. However, it would later be revealed that Jones failed his drug test for the event.
For the third time, Jones was stripped of his UFC title. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has since rendered a verdict concerning Jones’ most recent drug test failure.
Jon Jones has been fined $200,000 and has had his fighting license revoked. USADA has yet to render a verdict on the case, with Jones facing up to six years suspension as a punishment.
