UFC’s Jon Jones arrested for aggravated DWI, weapons charge

Image: ESPN | This story was updated at 3:30 PM Eastern.

Even during a global pandemic, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones managed to still run afoul of the law.

Jones was charged with aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, and possession of an open container by Albuquerque, New Mexico, police at 1 AM local time Thursday morning, first reported by local TV outlet KOAT.

He has been released from custody.

Police were responding to calls of gunshots firing in a specific neighborhood and when they arrived, Jones was inside his car with the engine running. He denied knowing anything about the gunshots, but said they noticed signs Jones was intoxicated. He did poorly on a field sobriety test and a Breathalyzer test showed he tested twice above the legal limit. 

Upon a search of the car, a black handgun was found under the driver’s seat and a half empty bottle of mezcal was behind the passenger’s seat. 

This is Jones’ second DUI charge dating back to May 2012. The 32-year-old has been in and out of trouble with the law through the years and has been suspended by the UFC three times since 2015, twice for USADA violations. 

Jones (26-1-0-1) last fought in February, edging out Dominick Reyes in a unanimous decision win at UFC 247 and is awaiting his next fight. Neither Jones or his management team has responded publicly, but the UFC told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that they are aware of the situation, have been in contact with Jones’ management team, and are gathering additional information.

Just last week, Jones was on social media, saying how important it is to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic and that we need to stay home, stay positive, and keep a positive outlook.