In a surprising turn of events, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been charged with two misdemeanors in relation to an incident involving a drug-testing agent. The agent had filed a police report alleging Jones' inappropriate behavior during a sample collection at his home on March 30. The charges include assault, a petty misdemeanor, and interference with communications, a misdemeanor.

According to Bernalillo County Court representatives, Jones is set to appear in a virtual bond hearing on July 17 at 9:15 a.m. MT in New Mexico. If convicted of both charges, the renowned fighter could potentially face jail time of less than a year. Additionally, he may have to pay a fine of $500 for the petty misdemeanor and up to $1,000 for the misdemeanor charge.

Details of the incident revolve around the drug-testing agents from UFC's anti-doping partners at Drug Free Sport, who were dispatched to Jones' home for a random sample collection. The situation escalated when Jones, unable to provide a urine sample, was offered a blood test as an alternative. The agent involved, Crystal Martinez, claimed that Jones became agitated and started asking them about money, insinuating that he intended to sue them. Martinez also alleged that Jones grabbed her phone and started filming the encounter.

Martinez reported feeling terrified during the incident, fearing that Jones might physically harm her. She even contemplated terminating the drug test and leaving the property due to the alleged behavior.

Jones, however, issued a statement in April categorically denying the allegations. He stated that upon waking up from a nap during his birthday celebration, he encountered unprofessionalism and protocol issues with one of the testers, leading to frustration and the use of regrettable profanity. He maintained that at no point did he threaten or assault anyone, raise his voice, or engage in any misconduct.

During his upcoming appearance on July 17, Jones will be informed about the charges and asked to enter a plea. The judge will subsequently set the conditions of his release while the case remains pending. Following this, the case will be scheduled for a bench trial within the next 30 to 45 days.

Meanwhile, Jones is currently in the early stages of preparing for his return to the UFC, with his next fight likely to be a defense of his heavyweight title against former champion Stipe Miocic. The fight is anticipated to take place in November at Madison Square Garden in New York.

As the case unfolds, the MMA community eagerly awaits the resolution of the charges against Jones, which could have significant implications for his career and the UFC heavyweight division.