UFC Fighters Who’ve Faced Legal Issues Outside the Octagon
MMA fans have seen the meteoric rise of stars like Jon Jones, Chael Sonnen, and Melvin Guillard, who dominated inside the octagon. However, their careers were often overshadowed by legal troubles and brushes with the law.
As MMA grew in popularity in the early 2000s, fans adored these fighters for their talents. Unfortunately, several have been involved in incidents outside the cage that have tainted their legacies.
Melvin Guillard’s Troubles with Assault
Melvin Guillard, a veteran of both UFC and Bellator, experienced a ten-fight losing streak amid personal struggles, including multiple arrests for assault. In 2018, he was arrested for domestic battery after allegedly striking his girlfriend. Later, in 2021, he was charged with aggravated battery after knocking a man out in a bar fight, causing the victim to suffer a fractured skull. Guillard also faced charges related to child exploitation after his UFC career ended.
Abel Trujillo and His Child Exploitation Conviction
Abel Trujillo was arrested in 2019 for child sexual exploitation. He had allegedly sent inappropriate messages and images to minors. Trujillo was convicted in 2021 of felony charges for attempted sexual exploitation of a child, receiving two years of probation. In addition, he pled guilty to multiple assaults against the mother of his children.
Brett Rogers’ Legal Troubles
Brett Rogers, former Strikeforce heavyweight, has also made headlines for legal issues. In 2011, he was arrested for assaulting his wife, and in 2017, he was arrested again for allegedly sexually assaulting multiple men in a public library. His reputation took a significant hit due to these allegations.
BJ Penn’s DUI and Bar Fights
BJ Penn, a UFC legend, has found himself arrested several times for DUI. His most publicized incident occurred in 2020, when he was arrested in Hawaii for driving erratically. Penn has also been involved in several street fights, including an altercation outside a bar in 2019, resulting in police intervention.
Thiago Silva’s Arrest in 2014
In 2014, UFC light heavyweight Thiago Silva faced serious charges after allegedly threatening his ex-wife with a gun outside a martial arts gym. The situation escalated to a standoff with SWAT forces. Although the charges were dropped, the incident left a stain on his career.
Lee Murray: The Infamous Heist
Lee Murray, former UFC middleweight, became infamous for his role in the 2006 Securitas depot robbery, which involved stealing over £53 million. He was arrested in Morocco and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Murray’s criminal activities overshadowed his MMA career, despite notable victories over fighters like Chael Sonnen.
Renato Sobral’s Legal Scuffle in 2007
Renato Sobral, known for his grappling skills, was arrested in 2007 after a dispute with a club bouncer at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa, Florida. He faced charges of battery and trespassing but was released on a $1,000 bond.
Jorge Masvidal’s Assault on Colby Covington
Jorge Masvidal, known for his street-fighting style, made headlines in 2022 after allegedly assaulting his former friend and UFC rival, Colby Covington, outside a Miami steakhouse. Masvidal struck Covington twice in the face, resulting in a broken tooth. He eventually pleaded no contest, and the case was settled in 2023.
Jeremy Jackson’s Legal Woes
Jeremy Jackson, a former UFC fighter, was arrested in 2008 for seven felony offenses, including two counts of forcible rape on his ex-girlfriend and attempted burglary. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after pleading guilty in 2010.
Hermes Franca’s Sexual Assault Charges
In 2011, Hermes Franca, a former UFC lightweight contender, was arrested on multiple charges of sexual assault. He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison in 2013. Franca’s promising MMA career was overshadowed by his legal troubles.
Jason Miller’s Choking Incident
Jason “Mayhem” Miller, a charismatic MMA figure, was arrested in 2023 for allegedly choking a fan in Los Angeles after a verbal dispute. Miller was briefly taken into custody but was released on bond. The case is still pending.
Jon Koppenhaver’s Assault Conviction
Jon Koppenhaver, also known as War Machine, faced serious legal issues in 2014 when he was charged with kidnapping, sexual assault, and beating his ex-girlfriend, Christy Mack. He was convicted of 29 felony and misdemeanor charges and sentenced to 36 years in prison.
Conor McGregor’s Multiple Legal Incidents
Conor McGregor, one of the most marketable UFC stars, has had numerous legal entanglements. In 2018, he was charged with assault for throwing guardrails at a bus carrying fellow UFC fighters. In 2019, he was involved in a sexual assault case in Dublin, and in 2024, McGregor was convicted of rape in a civil trial.
Chael Sonnen’s Battery Charges
Chael Sonnen, known for his outspoken personality, faced six misdemeanor battery charges in 2021. Although two charges were dropped, Sonnen later took a plea deal that resulted in a fine and no jail time.
Jon Jones’ Legal Issues and Domestic Violence Arrests
Jon Jones, a record-holding UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, has faced numerous legal issues, including a 2015 hit-and-run incident. In 2021, he was arrested for domestic violence and vehicle tampering after a violent altercation with his fiancée. Jones avoided jail time after accepting a plea deal.
Cain Velasquez’s Attempted Murder Charge
Cain Velasquez, a former UFC heavyweight champion, was arrested for attempted murder in 2022 after chasing down a man he believed had molested his young son. Velasquez was granted bail but pleaded no contest to felony charges in 2024. He faces sentencing in March 2025.
Conclusion
The popularity of MMA has skyrocketed, but for some fighters, their criminal behavior outside the cage has cast a dark shadow on their legacies. From assault charges to serious criminal offenses, these MMA legends have faced significant legal issues that have impacted their careers. Despite their immense talent inside the octagon, these legal problems will forever be a part of their stories.
