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Jon Jones' Career: Triumphs and Troubles

May 16, 2025

Jon Jones: A Timeline of Troubles

Overview:

  • Jon Jones, considered by many as one of the greatest talents in UFC, has had a career filled with both incredible successes and significant controversies.
  • His legacy is tarnished by various personal and professional issues that often overshadow his achievements in the octagon.

Key Incidents in Jon Jones' Career:

March 2011: UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

  • Achievement:
    • Jones wins the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 128 at age 23, becoming the youngest champion in UFC history.
    • Known for stopping a thief on the day of the contest.

May 2012: First Major Vehicle Incident

  • Incident:
    • Crashed his Bentley into a traffic pole after a party; was with two women.
    • Refused a sobriety test, fined $1,000, and had his driver’s license suspended for six months.

August 2012: UFC 151 Cancellation

  • Controversy:
    • Refused to fight Chael Sonnen on short notice, leading to the cancellation of UFC 151.
    • This incident marked the beginning of a strained relationship with the UFC.

August-September 2014: Altercation with Daniel Cormier

  • Event:
    • Physical altercation at a UFC 178 press event in Las Vegas.
    • Fined $50,000 and sentenced to 40 hours of community service.

January 2015: Cocaine Metabolites

  • Issue:
    • Tested positive for cocaine metabolites before defeating Cormier.
    • Checked into rehab for 24 hours, fined $25,000 by the UFC.

April-October 2015: Felony Hit-and-Run

  • Incident:
    • Involved in a hit-and-run with a pregnant woman, fled the scene.
    • Stripped of his title, suspended, and given 18 months probation.

March 2016: Probation Violation

  • Incident:
    • Arrested for probation violation after receiving five tickets for drag racing.
    • Required to attend anger management and driving classes.

July-December 2016: USADA Drug Test Violation

  • Controversy:
    • Failed a drug test prior to UFC 200, resulting in removal from main event.
    • Claimed banned substances came from contaminated sexual aids; received a one-year ban.

July-September 2017: Return and Another Failed Drug Test

  • Event:
    • Defeated Cormier at UFC 214, viewed as a redemption.
    • Failed another drug test (steroid Turinabol); stripped of title again.

February 2018: License Revocation

  • Development:
    • California Athletic Commission revoked his license.
    • Awaiting USADA punishment for recent infraction.