Veteran UFC welterweight Tim Means has been arrested in New Mexico on a child abuse charge, according to court records from Bernalillo County.
Tim Means, 42, was taken into custody following an alleged domestic altercation involving his 17-year-old daughter. Reports state the incident began after an argument over household chores.
According to details first reported by the Albuquerque Journal, Tim Means allegedly head-butted his daughter in the nose before later striking her in the face with a closed fist.
Authorities said a criminal complaint was filed after the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a physical confrontation inside the home.
The teenager reportedly told officers that after the argument escalated, she pushed Means away. She then accused him of grabbing her by the neck in what was described as a “strangulation manner” while in the kitchen.
She also alleged that a potato was thrown at her during the incident. The complaint further states that the two became involved in a struggle as she attempted to escape by pushing and punching her father before he allegedly hit her again.
“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.”
Another local outlet, KOAT, reported that Tim Means later spoke with law enforcement after being detained. He reportedly admitted there had been an altercation but claimed the only physical contact came while trying to restrain his daughter.
Tim Means was released on his own recognizance on Friday. He is scheduled to return to court on May 26.
The longtime UFC veteran has competed on the promotion’s roster for more than a decade. Tim Means has not fought since 2024, when he suffered a submission loss to Court McGee. He has gone 1-5 in his last six appearances.
As the legal process moves forward, more details are expected to emerge regarding the case involving Tim Means.
