Former UFC champion Jon Jones accepts plea deal

A divisive figure both inside and outside of the octagon, Jones recently found himself on the wrong side of the law, however, it seems like he's on the up.

Jon Jones takes plea deal

According to reports, former UFC champion Jon Jones has accepted a plea deal in his domestic battery case in Nevada and as such will not face any jail time. Jones pleaded 'nolo contendere' to a lesser charge, misdemeanor destroying the property of another, in a Las Vegas Justice Court on Tuesday. The charge was the result of a September 24th altercation which occurred at a Las Vegas Strip resort. It is understood that Jones must commit no further offenses while being obligated to pay $750 in restitution to the victim and attend anger management counseling sessions.

What exactly did Jon Jones do?

Initially Jones was charged with felony tampering with a vehicle and misdemeanor domestic battery. The domestic battery charge was later dropped, and Jones pleaded 'nolo contendere' to destroying the property of another. 'Nolo contendere' consists of a plea wherein the defendant accepts a conviction, however, does not admit guilt. At the time Jones was arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers in the early morning hours of September 24th, per the arrest report. During his arrest it is understood that Jones "became irate and smashed his head onto the front hood" of a police vehicle, causing damage and paint chipping. It is this incident which let to the original felony charge of injuring or tampering with a vehicle.

Regarding why the police were called, it was reported that a security guard at Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino placed the call to police after encountering a crying woman inside the hotel. The woman in question told the security guard she was afraid to return to her room at which point she was taken to the security office. She would later tell police that Jones had been a "little" physical with her, holding her firmly and pulling her hair. She stated plainly that Jones did not hit her, however, police reported having seen blood on her clothing as well as the sheets in the hotel room.

Not the first time for Jon Jones

Jones who told police that he never touched the woman and had a hard time remembering some points of the night, is unfortunately not a first time offender. Indeed Jones has had a variety of interactions with police over the last few years. From several DUIs to a felony hit and run in 2015, Jones has also failed two drug tests in his MMA career. A former longtime light heavyweight champion, Jones it can be said was never truly beaten inside the cage. While he has not fought since February 2020 it is understood that he is in the process of increasing his weight in an effort to compete in the heavyweight division next year.