The Nevada State Athletic Commission is closely monitoring the ongoing hit-and-run investigation involving UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
It was announced on Monday afternoon by the Albuquerque Police Department that an arrest warrant had been issued for the 27-year-old MMA star for allegedly hitting another vehicle and fleeing from the scene of the accident.
An arrest warrant issued for UFC fighter Jon Jones. http://t.co/CRYrx7oQ4d Arrangements have been made for Mr. Jones to turn himself in
— Albuquerque Police (@ABQPOLICE) April 27, 2015
The passenger of the other vehicle was an unidentified 20-year-old pregnant woman.
It was initially believed Jones only faced misdemeanor charges, but those charges have since been elevated to felony level, after MMAFighting’s Ariel Helwani reported the woman had suffered a broken arm.
From ABQ PD: We are working on an arrest warrant for Jon Jones. The female suffered a broken arm … (Cont'd)
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 27, 2015
Cont'd from ABQ PD: … which has elevated the charge to Felony Leaving the Scene of an Accident." (Cont'd)
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 27, 2015
More from ABQ PD: "The victim's pregnancy appears to have been unaffected." (cont'd)
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 27, 2015
NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett confirmed to MMAFighting.com on Monday that the commission would be keeping a close eye on Jones’ legal situation. Depending on the facts in the case, there is a chance Jones wouldn’t be licensed to fight Anthony “Rumble” Johnson in his upcoming UFC 187 title bout in Las Vegas.
“It would all depend on the facts of the case,” said Bennett. “We’d be keeping a close eye on any unarmed combatant alleged to be in an incident such as this.”
Bennett claimed Jones had passed all of his random, out-of-competition drug tests leading up to his fight with Johnson thus far, but he also admitted those tests wouldn't determine whether Jones had used any recreational drugs.
According to the police report, per Marc Raimondi, Jones allegedly ran a red light, resulting in a three-car accident on Sunday. Witnesses claim he grabbed a handful of cash before fleeing on foot and jumping a fence.
A marijuana pipe with marijuana inside and paperwork with the name “Jonathan Jones” were found inside the vehicle Jones was allegedly driving. An off-duty police officer also identified him as the suspect.
UFC President Dana White has yet to comment on the incident. When appearing on Monday’s episode of The MMA Hour, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole claimed to have received a text from White, echoing comments made in the UFC’s official statement, which was released on Sunday.
According to White, for now, Jones is still scheduled to defend the UFC title against Johnson on May 23.
Jordy McElroy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He also is the MMA writer for FanRag Sports and co-founder of The MMA Bros.
