Ex-UFC champ Jon Jones settles case over drag-racing charges

ByBrett Okamoto ESPN logo
Thursday, August 11, 2016

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has accepted a plea deal in connection to his highly publicized traffic stop in March.

Jones, 29, appeared in Bernalillo Metropolitan Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful exhibition driving and improper display of registration, according to court spokesperson Camille Baca. TMZ first reported the plea agreement.

Three additional charges -- unlawful drag racing, unlawful use of modification of exhaust systems and failure to maintain traffic lane -- were dismissed, in accordance with the deal.

Jones received a 90-day deferred sentence. The court ordered 60 hours of community service and completion of an aggressive driving class. The judge did note Jones has fulfilled 51 hours of community service for a district court case, which he will be credited for.

The charges stemmed from a traffic stop on March 24 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A police body cam showed an agitated Jones arguing with an officer and calling him a "f---ing liar." Jones later apologized for his behavior toward the officer, but denied drag racing. He said he revved his engine to acknowledge a group of nearby fans.

Jones is currently under suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, stemming from a failed drug test on June 16. Jones (22-1) was scheduled to fight Daniel Cormier at UFC 200 on July 9, but was removed from the event days before after the United States Anti-Doping Agency reported he had tested positive for two banned substances, including estrogen blockers.

Jones immediately stated he did not know how the substances got in his system. Barring a successful appeal, Jones is facing a potential two-year suspension.