Jon Jones "Wanted For Questioning" In Hit & Run, UFC Title Fight In Jeporady

Jon Jones is no stranger to scandal and controversy, but his most recent may be the worst yet. Late Sunday rumours began circulating online, initially credited to noted wrestling and MMA insider FrontRowBrian (who in turn credited BloodStainLane, another Twitter personality) and confirmed by website MMA Fighting that Jones' UFC 187 title defense against Anthony Johnson was off, and that Jones had been involved in a traffic accident and was in custody. Although the initial report was later amended - Jones is not in custody, and the title fight is not yet officially off - this is an extremely serious matter. In short, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is now the primary person of interest in a hit and run that took place early Sunday, and which left a pregnant woman in her early 20s hospitalized with "minor injuries." Although they initially stated that they could not confirm that Jones was involved in the incident, intense media scrutiny forced their hand, and the Albuquerque PD issued the following statement:

The Albuquerque Police Department is actively seeking UFC Fighter Jon Jones for questioning in regards to his possible involvement in a hit-and-run accident, near the intersection of Juan Tabo and Southern, in Southeast Albuquerque early this morning, April 26, 2015. A pregnant female in her 20s, who was the driver of a separate vehicle, was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. Officers attempted to contact Mr. Jones at his residence Sunday evening, but were unsuccessful. We have also reached out to his lawyer, but as of now, have not heard back. The Albuquerque Police Department is asking Mr. Jones to please contact us as we continue to investigate by calling (505) 242-COPS (2677). More information will be provided when it becomes available.

It appears that as of late Sunday, his coaches have not been able to contact him either. Early reports stating that evidence of drug use were found at the scene have, for now, been proven false. Jones tested positive for cocaine use prior to his UFC 182 bout against Daniel Cormier, but the test failure was not made public until after the fight. Jones has a previous DUI conviction from back in 2012. According to reporter David Kano, quoting Albuquerque PD Information Officer Simon Drobik, police have not seen Jones' vehicle or the fighter. A witness identified Jones as being the driver of the vehicle that fled the scene. If charged and convicted, Jones could face up to a year in prison with fines, as per the officer. This is a major blow to a UFC champion with an already tarnished image, and to the UFC as a whole. If it turns out that Jones was involved in the incident, this may lead to a lengthy suspension, or possibly stripping the title from the most decorated UFC champion currently fighting in the promotion. Due process will come first, and Jones is innocent until proven guilty when and if he is charged - but for now, it does not look good for the champion.