Rapper Jim Jones -- Arrested and Maced by Police After Casino Brawl

Jim Jones was involved in a CRAZY brawl last night in Connecticut which resulted in him getting arrested, but not before it took five cops and a little bit of mace to subdue him ... TMZ has learned.

TMZ has obtained insane video (see above) of the fight going down inside the casino after a party hosted by Diddy at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

Our sources say a guy, who seemed intoxicated, came up to Jones and started talking smack to him, which Jones tried to ignore.

According to our sources, the guy then started getting physical and throwing punches and Jones fought back in self defense. Then the guy's friends jumped in ... then Jim's people jumped in ... and IT WAS ON!!!

We're told Jones had no idea who the guy was or what triggered his beef with Jones.

Sources close to Jones say he was arrested and it took the aforementioned cops and mace to bring him in. We're told he has since bonded out and is headed back home soon.

Jones had no comment. The hotel had no comment as well, and referred us to the Connecticut State Police ... who said Jones was charged with assault on a police officer and breach of peace.