Jon Jones, UFC Champion, accused of threatening to kill drug testing agent

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been accused of assaulting and threatening to kill a drug testing agent, leading to his arrest, according to police in New Mexico.

The incident unfolded when Crystal Martinez, a drug-test sample collection worker, and a colleague visited Jones’ Albuquerque residence at 4 a.m. on March 30 for an unannounced drug test, on behalf of their employer, Drug Free Sport International, contracted by the UFC.

Jones, in a statement posted on Instagram, acknowledged the incident but claimed the encounter ended amicably.

Martinez reported that Jones became upset during the collection process and initially couldn’t produce urine, leading her to suggest a blood test, which further angered him.

Allegedly, Jones threatened to sue the sample collectors and behaved aggressively, leading Martinez to believe he might have been intoxicated.

Despite the potential for UFC fines if urine wasn’t provided immediately, Jones eventually produced a sample after walking away with a colleague.

During the encounter, Jones recorded a video on Martinez’s phone, capturing him making derogatory remarks.

Martinez claimed Jones threatened her, saying, “Do you know what happens to people who come to my house? They end up dead.”

Jones allegedly refused to return Martinez’s phone, causing her distress. She later texted her boss about the incident.

Martinez indicated she wanted to press charges against Jones, though her supervisor discouraged it, suggesting she wait for the UFC’s response.

Jones denied the allegations, labeling Martinez a liar. He admitted using offensive language but denied threatening her or her coworker.

Jones was issued a summons to appear in court on charges of assault and interfering with communications, constituting his arrest. He wasn’t taken into custody or booked.

This isn’t the first time Jones has faced legal issues. In 2015, he was stripped of his title following a hit-and-run incident. In 2021, he was arrested for domestic battery. He’s also been suspended for doping.

In late December 2023, the UFC announced Drug Free Sport International would conduct “no-notice sample collections” under a new anti-doping policy.