UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to two misdemeanor charges against him following an incident during a drug test at his home in March. Jones' attorney submitted the pleas on his behalf at a virtual hearing. An Albuquerque judge granted a request by the fighter's attorney that Jones remain free pending trial. A bench trial is scheduled for Aug. 22 in New Mexico. Jones, who turns 37 on Friday, was charged with assault and interference with communication after he allegedly threatened a woman when she and a colleague conducted a drug test at his New Mexico home on March 30. The woman, who worked for Drug Free Sport International, alleged that Jones took her phone and cursed at her after he grew agitated. Jones said in a social media post that one of the testers acted unprofessionally, which caught him off guard. He called the allegations baseless once they became public, though he admitted cursing once he became frustrated. "However, I want to emphasize that at no point did I threaten, get in anyone's face, raise my voice to anyone or engage in any form of assault," Jones said in the post. Jones failed a drug test in 2016, which garnered a year-long suspension. Another positive drug test turned his 2017 win over Daniel Cormier into a no contest. Jones has 15 title fight wins, the most in UFC history. --Field Level Media
Jul 12, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jon Jones arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports