Jon Jones may have announced his retirement from MMA over the weekend, but his name is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Just hours after UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Jones’ retirement and named interim champion Tom Aspinall the new Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, court documents revealed that Jones has been charged in New Mexico for leaving the scene of an accident — a misdemeanor offense. The charge, filed on June 17, stems from an incident that reportedly occurred nearly four months earlier, on February 24. Jones is scheduled to appear in court for a bond arraignment on June 24. According to The Albuquerque Journal, the incident involved a woman found intoxicated and partially undressed in the front passenger seat of a vehicle at the scene. She identified Jones as the driver, telling police he had fled on foot after the crash. When she called him, a police aide said the man on the line—allegedly Jones—sounded drunk and made veiled threats involving “lethal force.”
Jones later claimed he wasn’t driving, insisting the woman had left his house earlier in the day after drinking and using mushrooms, only to call him following the crash. Police say Jones called her 13 times after the accident and texted her as well.
This is not Jones’ first run-in with the law. In 2015, he was arrested for a felony hit-and-run involving a pregnant woman, which resulted in a UFC suspension and the stripping of his Light Heavyweight Title. He’s also faced multiple DWI charges over the years.
Jones issued the following statement about his retirement from MMA:
“Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.
From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever. I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.
I want to thank the UFC, Dana, Hunter, Lorenzo, God, my family, coaches, teammates, and all the fans who have stood by me through every chapter. Your unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation. To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage.
As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”
Aspinall wrote the following about becoming the Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion:
“For you fans. It’s time to get this Heavyweight division going. An active Undisputed Champion.”
Aspinall now moves forward as the division’s top name, while the legendary career of Jon Jones appears to have reached its final chapter. Jones retires with a record of 28-1-1, with his only loss being a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill, where he destroyed Hamill with illegal elbows.
Jones once teased a fight with Brock Lesnar. After defeating Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 in 2017 (later overturned to a No Contest because of Jon’s drug test failure), Jones said the following in the post-fight interview:
“Brock Lesnar, if you want to know what it feels like to get your a$$ kicked by a guy who weighs 40 pounds less than you, meet me in the Octagon.”
Lesnar’s response was: “Be careful what you wish for.”
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