UFC welterweight veteran Tim Means has been arrested in New Mexico following serious allegations of child abuse involving his teenage daughter. The 42-year-old fighter was taken into custody in Tijeras on Wednesday after police responded to reports of a physical altercation inside the home that erupted during an argument over household chores.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, Means' daughter told officers that the longtime UFC fighter became violent during the dispute. She claimed he threw a potato at her face, punched her with a closed fist, headbutted her, and grabbed her by the throat. Police reported visible injuries, which escalated the severity of the case. Means was arrested on suspicion of abandonment or abuse of a child. He was later released from custody on Friday on his own recognisance after being formally charged. As of now, the UFC has not released any public statement about the case, and Tim Means has also not made any official comment.
Injuries Documented in the Complaint
An excerpt from the complaint described the injuries officers reportedly saw during the investigation. It stated, “Let it be known that there were visible hand and red marks on neck, indicating she was strangled. 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.”
Local news outlet KOAT reported that Tim Means admitted there was a heated argument with his daughter. However, he said he only became physical while trying to stop her from hitting him. Police still moved forward with the arrest based on the complaint and visible injuries.
Means' UFC Career and Recent Performance
The case has drawn significant attention around Means, who has been part of the UFC for many years. Known by fans as “The Dirty Bird,” he has fought 31 times in the UFC across two separate runs with the promotion. His last fight came at UFC 307 in October 2024, where he lost to Court McGhee by submission. That defeat added to a difficult recent run, with Means losing five of his last six fights. His most recent win came against Andre Fialho in September 2023. Across his UFC career, Means has recorded 15 wins and 14 losses. His full professional MMA record stands at 37 wins, 14 losses, one draw, and one no contest.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Right now, the focus is no longer on his fighting future but on the legal case ahead. With no UFC response yet, many fans are waiting to see what happens next. The situation continues to develop, and further updates are expected as the legal process unfolds.
