UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday, appearing virtually for Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court (alongside attorney Christopher Dodd) to answer for a pair of misdemeanor charges filed against him back in March.
“Bones” was released on his own recognizance and will return for a bench trial within the next two months, according to MMA Fighting.
However, the judge did not allow Jones to escape punishment entirely. Instead, the judge imposed a long list of pre-trial requirements on Jones, which included prohibiting the possession of firearms or any other potentially harmful weapons, as well as placing limitations on the use of drugs and alcohol.
Jones routinely posts videos of his gun collection and has previously admitted to drug and alcohol abuse. There was also that stint in rehab that didn’t stop the former light heavyweight kingpin from getting “black-out drunk” before fights.
Today’s court appearance was the result of Jones’ altercation with drug-testing agents earlier this year, though “Bones” insists the incident was blown way out of proportion and that police reports reflect a situation that “simply did not occur.”
When Jones returns to court, we will find out if the judge agrees.
