UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has spoken out after charges set against him were dropped in relation to an altercation with Drug Free Sport International testing agents at his home earlier this year.
Jones had been facing two misdemeanors charges after he was alleged to have verbally threatened drug-testing agents who showed up at his residence on March 30th to take a urine sample, as well as also having taking a phone from one of them.
The 37-year-old has now agreed to a plea deal that will see the charges against him dropped in return for completing anger management classes within the next 90 days.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the justice system for reaching a prompt resolution in this matter, which affirms my innocence and enables me to maintain my focus on the upcoming fight,” Jones confirmed on X.
“I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to defend my heavyweight title on November 16th at Madison Square Garden.”
Jones will be against up against former divisional kingpin Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 after spending over a year out of action due to a torn pectoral tendon.
At this stage it’s unclear whether Jones intends to keep fighting if he successfully defends his heavyweight title for the first time at the event, having previously dropped hints that he may retire, despite interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s eagerness to face him next.
