John Jones-Imagn Images

Former UFC Referee Accuses Jon Jones of Sexual Misconduct

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 8:27 PM ET

Jon Jones’s legacy is a blend of unparalleled greatness and persistent controversy. While he may be the youngest UFC champion in history and a two-division titleholder, his career has been marred by failed drug tests, legal troubles, and polarizing behavior outside the Octagon.

Now 37, Jones remains a divisive figure who is celebrated by some for his technical brilliance but criticized by others for avoiding rising stars like interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall, frustrated by years of stalled negotiations, recently declared Jones "retired" and vowed to move on as the division’s rightful leader, with no word from the UFC or Dana White as to whether or not Jones will face Aspinall.

Now, in a bombshell revelation on his Weighing In podcast, legendary MMA referee John McCarthy accused UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones of performing a "sexual act" on a male commission official during a locker room incident years ago.

Watch the full podcast here:

McCarthy, a respected figure in combat sports, described the alleged event in vivid detail, claiming Jones crossed a line during what was supposed to be a lighthearted grappling session.

According to McCarthy, the incident occurred when Jones, seemingly in high spirits, asked a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt working for the athletic commission to "get on the ground" with him. The official complied, assuming it was a routine training exchange, but Jones allegedly escalated the situation by performing an unsolicited sexual act.

McCarthy intervened, warning Jones he could disqualify him for unsportsmanlike conduct, to which Jones reportedly replied, "I’m just joking—but really, what could you do?"

McCarthy claims that he responded to Jones, saying, “I could disqualify you for being unsportsmanlike. Go ahead and do it and let’s see what happens.”

This isn’t the first time McCarthy has criticized Jones. In 2020, he blasted the champion as an "absolute loser" after a DWI arrest, urging the UFC to cut ties with him. Their animosity dates back to 2016, when Jones petitioned to remove McCarthy from refereeing his fights, citing "bad energy."

McCarthy’s credibility as a veteran referee lends weight to the accusation, but without additional witnesses or formal complaints, the incident remains unverified. The unnamed official’s silence further complicates the situation, leaving speculation as to whether this is a legitimate grievance or just a personal attack from McCarthy.

This accusation adds to Jones' long history of controversies outside the Octagon. With McCarthy standing by his story, the allegation could reignite debates about Jones’ legacy—both as one of the sport’s greatest fighters as well as one of its most controversial figures.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: