An up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighter is facing misdemeanor charges after his former girlfriend reported that he kicked in her door, beat her and destroyed her cell phone so she couldn’t dial 9-1-1, police said.

Anthony Kewoa Johnson, a 25-year-old San Lorenzo resident and an Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight, told investigators he went to his ex-girlfriend’s house Saturday to see his dogs that were staying there, when she struck him first.

He said he then acted in self-defense.

Johnson’s ex-girlfriend was upset with him because, although they had been in a three-year relationship, he at some point married another woman, Hayward police Lt. Christine Orrey said.

The woman said he went to her house near Chabot College in Hayward about 10:50 p.m. and banged on the door. She told police she said she didn’t want to speak to him.

When he then forced the door open, it struck her in the head, according to the police report.

Johnson pushed her around, picked her up by her armpits and slammed her to the ground, she told police. He then put her in a headlock and dragged her up a flight of stairs, according to the report.

Police said the woman’s bruises included an abrasion above one eye and swelling to the face.

Johnson also had an injury to his face.

While police were seeking felony charges after last weekend’s incident, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has reduced the charges to misdemeanor domestic violence, battery, death threats and destroying a phone to prevent the report of a crime.

A restraining order against Johnson was issued after his arrest.

He currently is out on bail, pending a court date on July 17.

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