Longtime UFC welterweight Tim Means was arrested in New Mexico following allegations that he assaulted his 17-year-old daughter during a domestic dispute.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by CBS News, police responded to a call at Means’ residence in Tijeras on April 21 after the teenager reported an altercation that allegedly escalated from an argument about household chores. The complaint states that Means head-butted the teen before continuing the confrontation, which allegedly included choking her, throwing a potato, and striking her in the face.
Authorities documented visible injuries upon arrival. “There were visible hand and red marks on (the teen’s) neck, indicating she was strangled,” the complaint states.
Officers also observed blood around her nose and multiple marks on her face consistent with being struck. Means now faces an open count of child abuse in connection with the incident.
Means, 42, has been a fixture in the UFC’s welterweight division for more than a decade. He made his promotional debut in 2012 and has competed in dozens of bouts across two separate stints with the organization. Outside the Octagon, he has also worked as a wrestling coach at Moriarty High School, a role that places him in regular contact with student-athletes in his community.
His career has been marked by both longevity and resilience. Means turned professional in 2004 and overcame early legal troubles and personal struggles to rebuild his life and establish himself as a consistent presence in MMA.
He has competed for multiple promotions, including King of the Cage, where he held championship titles before returning to the UFC.
Means’ most recent fight took place in October 2024, and he remains listed on the UFC’s active roster. The organization has not publicly commented on the arrest as of this writing. It is unclear how the charge could impact his fighting status or coaching position moving forward.
If you suspect child abuse, help is available. In the U.S., you can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit childhelphotline.org for confidential support.
