UFC News: Jon Jones could potentially spend up to a year in jail as a worst case scenario

As they say in the MMA community, Jon Jones is his own worst enemy. The light heavyweight king has been arrested again.

According to his report, he was arrested and booked at 4:43 a.m. in his hometown of Albuquerque on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent use of a firearm, possession of an open container and no proof of insurance.

However this time around, the consequences can be rather stringent. Jones being a second time offender (due to 2012 DUI conviction), he may be penalized a 90-day jail sentence. The conviction can even lead up to a year in jail.

“It allows the prosecutor to make a strong argument, look how many opportunities he’s had to modify his behavior, and look how every time he’s been given an opportunity, he thumbs his nose and does what he pleases,” criminal defense specialist David Serna told MMA Fighting.

Due to the worldwide outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19, Jones’ case can even get time consuming. Defense attorney Erlinda Johnson said a lot of her cases have been delayed and same could be the case with Jones’ case.

“You have certain rules that have to be adhered to if it stays a misdemeanor,” she said. “If he isn’t brought to trail by a certain time, his case could potentially be dismissed. If the state doesn’t produce the witnesses, or the officers because they’re being used for the more pressing national health matters, there are a lot of different issues litigating the case.”

Officers reportedly found Jones inside a running vehicle. Jones however denied knowing anything about the gunshots. A breathalyzer test was performed which showed a higher alcohol content than normal. Police then reportedly found a black handgun and a 750 ml bottle of Jorge Masvidal’s Recuerdo Mezcal.

In May 2012, Jones drove his Bentley Continental GT into a pole in Binghamton, New York. Jones was arrested for driving under influence back then as well.

On April 27, 2015, Jones was confirmed to have been associated with a hit-and-run case. He skipped a red light and crashed his car in a collision involving two other vehicles. Jones the fled the scene leaving an injured pregnant woman behind in another vehicle.