Former UFC champion Jon Jones recently had the first of two misdemeanor charges from a 2025 hit-and-run case dismissed by a judge. The case involved allegations of leaving the scene of an accident and using a phone to intimidate, terrify, or harass. While the dismissal clears Jones of the initial charge, the second case is still ongoing, according to TMZ.
Jones’ Latest Legal Situation
Even though the judge dismissed the first charge, Jon Jones is still facing legal attention due to the second misdemeanor case. His legal team has stressed full cooperation and compliance with the court. Jones is expected to address the remaining case at his scheduled trial in September 2025.
On February 21, 2025, Albuquerque police found a heavily intoxicated, partially undressed woman in a car’s passenger seat at an intersection. She claimed Jones drove and fled, later calling a man she identified as Jones, who allegedly said, “My brothers, they kill people for way less,” according to police body camera footage. Jones denied driving, stating the woman left his home intoxicated and contacted him after the crash. His attorney, Christopher Dodd, labeled the initial charge “baseless,” accusing police of targeting Jones. The first case, filed June 17, 2025, was dismissed via a “nolle prosequi” notice, with no reason given.
A second case, filed June 30, 2025, by Officer Andrew Romero, charges Jones with leaving the scene and making threatening phone calls. Dodd filed a motion on July 9, 2025, to dismiss this case, arguing it duplicates the first case’s allegations, violating the mandatory joinder rule. “It was improper for this separate case to be filed when Mr. Jones was already facing prosecution for the same facts,” Dodd stated. Judge Brittany Maldonado Malott has not ruled on the motion. An arraignment for the second case is scheduled for August 4, 2025.
On March 30, 2024, Crystal Martinez, a Drug Free Sport International tester, alleged Jones threatened her and took her phone during a urine sample collection at his home. Martinez claimed Jones seemed intoxicated and said, “Why you people come so early? Do you know what happens to people who come to my house? They end up dead.” She said Jones recorded her and her colleague, Jerome Romero, and put her phone in his pocket, getting close to her face, making her fear for her safety. Jones admitted to police he used profanity out of frustration but denied threats, sharing surveillance video showing a high-five with Martinez, indicating a friendly exchange.
Jones’ career has been overshadowed by legal troubles. In 2012, he faced a DUI charge after crashing his Bentley in New York. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to a hit-and-run in Albuquerque involving a pregnant woman, receiving 18 months of probation and losing his light heavyweight title. A 2016 failed drug test led to a one-year suspension. His 2017 win over Daniel Cormier was ruled a no-contest after a positive test, though Jones argued it would’ve been legal under 2019 USADA rules. In 2020, he pleaded guilty to DWI in Albuquerque, receiving house arrest and community service. In 2021, a domestic violence arrest in Las Vegas resulted in community service.
Jon Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) is one of MMA’s all-time greats. He holds the record for most UFC light heavyweight title defenses (14) and won the heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane in the first round at UFC 285 in March 2023. He defended it against Stipe Miocic via third-round TKO at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024. Jones vacated the heavyweight title in June 2025 to focus on health and personal matters. He re-entered the UFC anti-doping pool on July 4, 2025, targeting a 2026 return, possibly at a rumored White House event.
Jones is focused on fighting at the 2026 White House event, posting on Instagram, “I’m back to work, ready to prove I’m still the best.” A potential matchup against Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira could cement his legacy, and his history suggests he’ll compete despite legal challenges.
