UFC fighter Tim Means arrested on child abuse charge

UFC welterweight Tim Means was arrested Wednesday in New Mexico.

Means, 42, was arrested on abandonment or abuse of a child in Tijeras, N.M., according to Bernalillo County online records. He was released Friday on own recognizance (ROR). Court records list the charge as an open count.

Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to MMA Junkie's request for further information. However, the Albuquerque Journal reported several details from the criminal complaint.

According to the report, police say Means' 17-year-old daughter called and reported an altercation that occurred during an argument with her father over house chores.

Means allegedly headbutted the teen before grabbing her by the throat. The report also relays the teen said Means threw a potato at her face, and when she fought back, Means punched her in the head with a closed fist.

“Let it be known that there were visible hand and red marks on neck, indicating she was strangled,” the complaint reportedly states. “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.”

According to local news outlet KOAT, the complaint says Means admitted to the argument but said he only got physical restraining her from hitting him.

Nicknamed "The Dirty Bird", Means (33-8-1 MMA, 15-14 UFC) is one of the longest-tenured fighters on the UFC roster. He hasn't competed since October 2024, when he lost to Court McGee in what was his 30th promotional appearance. Means is in his second stint with the promotion, one that's lasted since 2014.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC fighter Tim Means arrested on child abuse charge