UFC Releases Fighter After Domestic Violence Arrest

Undefeated welterweight fighter Michael Graves has been released by the UFC after being arrested for domestic violence in November 2016.

The UFC issued the following statement on the matter:

“In November 2016, welterweight Michael Graves was removed from his UFC Fight Night 100 bout with Sergio Moraes following Graves’ arrest in Fulton County, [Georgia]. As a potential violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy, the UFC organization temporarily barred Graves from competition pending the completion of a third-party investigation. Based on the findings of this thorough review and investigation, UFC has advised Graves that he has been released from his contract effective immediately. UFC requires all athletes to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as mandated by the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC holds its athletes to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action if and when warranted.”

Grave was arrested by Atlanta (Georgia) police officer on November 1 of last year after a dispute with his fiancé, and the fighter would be charged with misdemeanor battery. A police report would later state that Grave’s assaulted his wife by elbowing and punching her in the head. Graves has yet to comment on his arrest or the release from the UFC.

During his three fight run with the UFC, the TUF alumni defeated Vincente Luque and Randy Brown, while fighting Bojan Velickovic to a draw.