Jon Jones Charged with Misdemeanor for Leaving Scene of Accident Amid Retirement Announcement

Albuquerque, NM – June 21, 2025: UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is facing a new misdemeanor criminal charge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for allegedly leaving the scene of a traffic accident in February, according to court records and local reports. The charge was filed on June 17, just days before Jones publicly confirmed his retirement from mixed martial arts—a decision that has sparked widespread speculation about the future of the UFC heavyweight division.

According to the criminal complaint, Albuquerque police responded to a crash in February and encountered a woman in the passenger seat of one of the involved vehicles. The woman reported that Jones had been driving her car and fled the scene on foot. She called Jones during the police investigation, and officers noted that the man on the phone—believed to be Jones—appeared heavily intoxicated and made statements implying his capacity to employ lethal force through third parties. The individual on the call also evaded directly confirming his identity to law enforcement.

Further details from the complaint indicate the woman had consumed alcohol and psilocybin mushrooms at Jones’ home prior to the incident. She stated that Jones was the last person she remembered driving her vehicle before the crash. Jones reportedly called the woman 13 times between the time of the crash and the following morning.

Jones is required to appear for a bond arraignment on July 24 in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. The reasons for the delay in filing the charge remain unclear.

The timing of the charge coincides with Jones’ announcement of retirement, which he shared on social media following UFC CEO Dana White’s statement at a press conference in Azerbaijan. In his post, Jones cited “a lot of reflection” as the reason for stepping away from the sport, expressing gratitude for his career achievements. With Jones’ exit, interim champion Tom Aspinall has been promoted to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.

Jones’ career has been marked by multiple legal controversies, including a 2015 hit-and-run conviction that led to the loss of his UFC light heavyweight title. The UFC and Dana White have not yet commented on the latest charge or its potential impact on Jones’ retirement decision.

The new legal trouble adds further uncertainty to Jones’ legacy and the heavyweight division, as fans and analysts debate whether the charge influenced his decision to retire or vacate the title.