Jon Jones: A Timeline of Trouble

Summary: Over the last eight years, Jon Jones has been a figure of both inspiration and frustration within the UFC. Despite his immense talent, his career has been marred by numerous controversies, particularly involving legal issues and drug tests. This timeline highlights key moments in Jones' turbulent career.

2011

• March: Jones becomes the UFC light heavyweight champion at 23, defeating Mauricio Shogun Rua. Notable for being the youngest champion in UFC history. Made headlines the same day for tackling a thief.

2012

• May: Jones has his first major vehicle incident, crashing a Bentley into a pole. Arrested after refusing a sobriety test, fined $1,000, and license suspended for six months.
• August: Refuses to fight Chael Sonnen on short notice, leading to the cancellation of UFC 151, highlighting a strained relationship with the UFC.

2014

• August-September: Involved in a brawl with Daniel Cormier at a press event, fined $50,000 and given community service.

2015

• January: Beats Cormier, then enters rehab for cocaine metabolites found in his system, fined $25,000 by UFC.
• April-October: Involved in a felony hit-and-run with a pregnant woman, stripped of title and suspended. Avoids jail but receives 18 months probation.

2016

• March: Violates probation from a drag racing incident, leading to a jail term and requirements to attend anger management and driving classes.
• July-December: Flagged by USADA for a failed drug test before UFC 200, denied the use of banned substances, resulting in a one-year ban and stripped of interim title.

2017

• July-September: Returns to defeat Cormier at UFC 214. Later, fails another drug test for Turinabol, leading to another title strip and fight result changed to no contest.

2018

• February: License revoked by California State Athletic Commission, pending further punishment from USADA.