UFC fighter Tim Means faces felony child abuse charge in New Mexico
UFC welterweight veteran Tim Means has been arrested in New Mexico on a felony child abuse charge following an alleged physical altercation with his teenage daughter.
Police were called to a private residence in Tijeras on Wednesday after a 911 caller reported a severe domestic disturbance.
The caller was later identified as the 17-year-old daughter of the mixed martial artist.
Court records filed in Bernalillo County state that an argument over household chores escalated into physical violence.
Allegations of physical violence
The teenager told responding officers that she was grabbed by the neck in a strangling manner during the dispute.
She further alleged that the fighter headbutted her, punched her in the face and threw a potato at her.
Deputies noted visible red marks on her neck indicating strangulation, alongside facial bruising and blood around her nose.
The long-serving competitor was subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of abandonment or abuse of a child.
Investigation and competitive future
This offence is classified as a felony under New Mexico state law.
The welterweight was released from custody on Friday as the criminal investigation continues.
Means has made more than 30 appearances inside the octagon during a lengthy career with the premier mixed martial arts promotion.
The American last competed at UFC 307 in October 2024, suffering a defeat to Court McGee.
Neither the promotion nor the athlete’s representatives have issued a public statement regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
