Jon Jones Pleads Not Guilty To Misdemeanor Charges; Fans Want Him Stripped
UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones pled not guilty following his two misdemeanor charges
According to reports, Jones was said to have threatened a Drug-Free Sports agent by the name of Crystal Martinez. Martinez had visited Jones’ house with her colleague to carry out a drug test. However, it is claimed that Jones was intoxicated. The UFC fighter was deemed to have taken Martinez’s phone, so she could not call the police. While security footage shows Jones escorting Martinez and the colleague back to their car in a safe manner, Jones has been charged with a misdemeanour for assault and interference with communications. Bones initially denied any wrongdoing, something which he doubled down on during the hearing.
Jones Reacts
“I was recently visited by testers while I was celebrating a birthday and taking a nap. Upon waking up, I was caught off guard by the unprofessionalism and protocol by one of the testers, which caused frustration leading me to use some profanity I regret.
“However, I want to emphasize that at no point did I threaten, get in anyone’s face, raise my voice to anyone, or engage in any form of assault. It’s unfortunate that false news has been spread without proper fact-checking. I want to assure you that I will vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations. The truth is, the incident simply did not occur,” Jones said
During the virtual hearing, which took place in New Mexico, Jones said he was not guilty. The judge presiding over the case is Brittany Maldonado Malott. The hearing conditions mean that Jones cannot violate further laws, contact those involved in the case, take substances or use a fireman, as a bench trial is pending. The outcome is critical for the following reasons.
Jones aims to fight this year after pulling out his UFC Heavyweight Title defense at UFC 295 last year. He was on course to face Stipe Miocic. But Bones had to withdraw after suffering a pectoral muscle injury in sparring. Tom Aspinall reacted to the news by calling on Dana White to strip him. The perception was that Jones would hold up the heavyweight division.
Jones’ Future
Aspinall demanded that he fight Miocic for the title, with the winner facing Jones. White refused to do so, leaving Aspinall waiting for the title shot. However, there is a danger that if Jones is found guilty, he could be imprisoned for up to a year. There could also be a fine of up to $1500. Yet, Jones has previously stated that he intends to fight Miocic, which will not change.
“I’m in the middle of a pretty clear decision… stick to exact and original plans, and fight the man with all the accolades. Or, completely disregard all of the Stipe training I’ve put in and fight another potential hype train that may not even be around in three years.
“I am not changing my plans for anyone. Stipe is over there as the best heavyweight ever…. I’m gonna give that man what he wants, and I’m going to claim another head. Whatever comes next comes next,” Jones stated
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