UFC champ Jon Jones arrested in Albuquerque, charged with DWI and negligent use of a firearm
Jon Jones, the UFC light heavyweight champion who is widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial arts fighter of all-time, was arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico, early Thursday according to a report by KOAT.com.
According to Albuquerque police records, Jones was stopped at 1:01 a.m. MDT on Central Ave SW. He was charged with aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, no proof of insurance in the vehicle and possession of an open container.
MMA Fighting reported that Jones performed poorly on a field sobriety test and then tested at or above the legal limit. In New Mexico, the blood alcohol content limit is 0.08.
Officers responded to a report of gunshots. When they arrived, they found Jones in his car with the engine running. He reportedly denied knowledge of gunshots. The police report noted officers said Jones showed signs of intoxication, and admitted he had been driving earlier.
“UFC is aware of the situation regarding Jon Jones in Albuquerque early this morning,” the UFC said in a statement. “The organization has been in contact with Jones’ management team and is currently gathering additional information.”
The incident is a latest in a long line that have marred Jones’ career. He pleaded guilty to DUI in 2012 and in 2015, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident in Albuquerque. He was arrested on a charge of battery in Albuquerque last year.
Jones also was suspended from competition twice for failing anti-doping tests.
On March 19, 2011, he became the youngest champion in UFC history when he knocked out Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in the third round of a fight at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. He is 26-1 with one no contest, and the only loss on his record was a disqualification that many believe was an error made by the referee. His no-contest was originally a knockout victory over arch rival Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 on July 29, 2017. But it was changed to a no-contest after he failed an anti-doping test.
Jones’ most recent fight was a controversial decision victory over Dominick Reyes on Feb. 8 in Houston.
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