UFC issues statement on Diego Brandao
UFC: “While we are concerned by the nature of the reported allegations, it is important to note that Brandao is entitled to due process in a court of law.”
UFC featherweight Diego Brandao was arrested Friday night after a Thursday altercation at an Albuquerque strip club in which he allegedly hit a facility employee with a gun on Thursday. The Albuquerque Journal has the story.
Brandao reportedly argued with a DJ at Knockouts late Thursday before leaving the club briefly. When he returned, he was not allowed reentry due to his behavior and attempted to force his way in by throwing punches at employees, police said.
He left a second time and returned with a gun, at which point patrons of the club at Central and Third NW were moved into the bar to shelter in place, police said.
Brandao reportedly pointed the gun at the patron’s chest and then at the employee before striking him in the face with the butt of the handgun, police said. The man said Brandao pointed the gun at the group once more before walking back to his vehicle, according to the complaint.
Brandao was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center Friday. He bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety.
Brandao, who was booked under the name Diego Brandoa, faces charges of Brandao is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, and willful assault with a deadly weapon. He was released from detention Saturday evening.
The UFC has issued a statement.
We are aware that UFC featherweight Diego Brandao was arrested Friday following an altercation at a business establishment in Albuquerque, N.M. We are in the process of gathering more information at this time.
While we are concerned by the nature of the reported allegations, it is important to note that Brandao is entitled to due process in a court of law.
We will have no further comment until more information can be gathered.
The fighter has a hearing scheduled in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Tuesday over a positive test for marijuana metabolites at UFC 195 on January 2, 2016?. He lost to Brian Ortega at the event. The TUF 14 winner beat Jimy Hettes and KatsunoriKikuno in his two fights prior.