Jon Jones is back in the gym after being stripped of his UFC light heavyweight crown (Photo : REUTERS)
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones is in legal hot water once again, according to a video released showing Jones being pulled over by a police officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico for alleged "drag racing."
In the video, Jones was pulled over while driving his white Corvette reportedly last Thursday evening. A heated exchange ensued as the police officer was reading Jones the information on the tickets that were to be issued.
Jones called the police officer a "[expletive] liar" and a "pig" repeatedly, while denying the allegations, making sure he was being recorded while doing so.
"No, you're not just doing your job," Jones told the police officer in the video. "You're [expletive] picking this Corvette out for no reason. Blaming me for all this [expletive] that you know isn't true."
The police officer remained composed throughout the affair and replied to Jones saying, "I have sworn to protect the citizens from people like you, Mr. Jones."
Jones is on probation for a previous conviction related to traffic abuse and previous run-ins with the law. He also repeatedly referred to the police officer as "despicable."
Following the incident, Jones appeared on MMA talk show "The MMA Hour" hosted by Ariel Helwani to offer his apology saying he was emotional and regrets what he said.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is aware of the situation and issued a statement saying, "We are aware of the situation and are looking into the matter. We've also been in touch with Jon [Jones] team regarding the matter."
Jones has released a statement on the matter claiming his innocence.
"I was not drag racing nor was I speeding. I did not get a speeding ticket. I was driving within the speed limit of the 35mph zone," said Jones.
"I feel that police used a technicality to ticket me for drag racing, for simply revving my engine and acknowledge some of my local fans. I regrettably said words to the police officer out of frustration, for which I apologize for, but I do feel this was excessive."
Jones (21-1) is scheduled to face reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel "DC" Cormier (17-1) in the main event of UFC 197 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in in a rematch of their January 2015 battle which Jones won by unanimous decision.
After Jones was suspended by the UFC following the fight due legal issues, he was stripped of the title and Cormier ended up winning the vacated belt by defeating Anthony Johnson last May.
