UFC’s Jon Jones Posts $2,500 Bail And Is Released, Fighting Future In Question

Jon Jones is free after posting bail on Monday.

Fox Sports is reporting that Jones, who is scheduled to fight for the UFC on May 23, was identified as a person of interest in a Sunday morning hit-and-run accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The victim, identified as Vanessa Sonnenberg, was taken to the local hospital for a fractured arm and wrist, and to have an ultrasound performed on her unborn child. Sonnenberg also stated that she felt like she would pass out after the accident.

Because of the injuries that Sonnenberg sustained, the hit-and-run was upgraded to a felony crime of leaving the scene of an accident, instead of a misdemeanor.

The arrest warrant states that an off-duty officer saw Jones fleeing the scene on foot, abandoning the 2015 silver Buick involved in the accident. Jones returned quickly to retrieve some money before fleeing again.

Originally, Jones was just a person of interest. Upon further investigation of the Buick, however, police found paperwork stating Jones had rented the vehicle, plus MMA information and a marijuana pipe with marijuana still inside it. An arrest warrant was then filed.

If found guilty, Jones could serve up to three years in jail for this crime.

According to ESPN, Jones and his legal staff had made arrangements with the Albuquerque police to surrender, then post bail. At this time, it is believed that Jones indeed posted bail and has now been released.

Jones (21-1) is scheduled to battle Anthony Johnson on the UFC 187 card on May 23. No word from either Jones’ camp or the UFC if there will be a change of opponent.

The UFC did issue a statement. “We are aware that the Albuquerque Police Department is interested in speaking to Jon Jones regarding his possible involvement in a motor vehicle accident. We are in the process of gathering facts and will reserve further comment until more information is available.”

Jones and his camp, which recently moved full-time to Albuquerque, has yet to comment. In May, 2012, Jones was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence when he ran his Bentley into a telephone pole. Jones pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving while intoxicated to avoid jail time.

Earlier in December, before his scheduled fight with Daniel Cormier in UFC 182, Jones tested positive for metabolites of cocaine during his training. Since Jones was tested while out of competition, he was allowed to fight. He defeated Cormier in the battle. Once the failed test became public, Jones apologized, but spent only one day in a rehabilitation center before checking himself out.

[Image courtesy of Gracie Mag]