John Jones’ Retirement and Legal Troubles
UFC fighter John Jones announced his unexpected retirement on Saturday, shortly after being accused of misdemeanor charges stemming from a February accident. According to court records from Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, he has a bond hearing set for July 24.
The timing of the legal complaint, filed nearly four months after the incident, raises questions. It’s unclear whether these charges influenced his retirement announcement, which UFC President Dana White confirmed just as Tom Aspinall was named the undisputed heavyweight champion.
The Albuquerque Journal reported that responding officers found a highly intoxicated woman in the passenger seat of Jones’ vehicle, who was not wearing clothes below her waist. She reportedly informed the police that Jones had been driving and fled the scene.
Later, the woman mentioned to the police that she had been drinking with Jones at his home, and at one point, officers had to remind her to change clothes.
Her next memory, as she recounted, was being at the crash site. Police also spoke to a man believed to be Jones when the woman contacted him from the scene. The individual reportedly did not provide answers regarding his identity.
This man, who was said to appear very intoxicated, allegedly suggested he could use “deadly forces through third parties,” and there were reports of ongoing “impressions of violence” after police asked for backup, according to the Journal citing court documents.
Following the crash, police interviewed Jones a few days later. He allegedly affirmed that the woman had left his house in an intoxicated state and had called him afterward.
In dealing with the legal issues, Jones supposedly contacted the woman, using professional language that led her to doubt her own personal claims.
The court database indicated the billing date was February 24, with officers stating the accident occurred three days earlier.
In his retirement announcement on X, Jones reflected, “This decision comes after a lot of reflection. I’ve become the youngest UFC champion in history, defended my title against top competitors, and shared unforgettable moments with fans worldwide. These are memories I cherish forever.”
