UFC fighter Tim Means has been charged with felony child abuse following an alleged physical altercation with his 17-year-old daughter in Tijeras, New Mexico. Means was taken into custody on Wednesday and released on his own recognizance on Friday.
Multiple reports confirm that Means, a veteran UFC welterweight, was charged after an incident at his home. The charge stems from an alleged assault on his teenage daughter during an argument over household chores.
Let it be known that there were visible hand and red marks on (the teen’s) neck, indicating she was strangled.
According to a criminal complaint from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, the daughter told police that Means headbutted her and grabbed her by the throat in a strangulating manner. The complaint stated there were visible hand and red marks on the teen's neck indicating strangulation. It also noted blood on and in her nose where she was headbutted, as well as red marks on her face and cheek.
Means admitted to police that an argument occurred but claimed he only used physical force to restrain his daughter from hitting him, according to police reports. He was released Friday on his own recognizance.
There was blood on and in her nose where she was head-butted and several red marks indicated she was hit in the face and on her cheek.
Court records indicate the case remains an open count of abandonment or abuse of a child. Means also serves as a wrestling coach at Moriarty High School, though it is unclear whether his coaching role has been affected. The UFC has not released an official statement regarding the arrest or potential disciplinary action.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office stated that there were visible hand and red marks on the teen's neck indicating strangulation, and that there was blood on and in her nose where she was headbutted and several red marks indicated she was hit in the face and on her cheek.
It remains unknown what specific evidence beyond the daughter's testimony and visible marks supports the charges, and whether the daughter has provided further statements. The timeline of legal proceedings, including any upcoming court dates, has not been disclosed.