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Marc RaimondiESPN
A UFC fighter is being accused of domestic violence, according to police in Rio de Janeiro.
The ex-wife of Brazilian welterweight Alex Oliveira said he took their 5-month-old child away on a motorcycle while intoxicated, as well as punched her and pulled her hair, local police precinct chief Andre Lourenco told Brazilian outlet UOL over the weekend. The alleged assault happened Saturday in Rio de Janeiro.
Lourenco told MMA Junkie that Oliveira’s daughter was found safe with one of Oliveira’s sisters. Oliveira was not located over the weekend, Lourenco said, and an arrest warrant will be issued if he does not turn up.
Oliveira’s manager, Alex Davis, told ESPN that the accusations against Oliveira are not true and the UFC fighter expects to meet with police Monday. Reports from Brazil over the weekend stated that Oliveira was on the run and Davis said those were also incorrect.
“The initial report was inaccurate,” Davis said. “He was not wanted by the police. He did not assault anyone. He will give his version to the sheriff today and we will base any further information on that.”
The UFC did not immediately return a request for comment on the matter.
Oliveira, 31, is a well-known fighter in the UFC’s welterweight division. Nicknamed “Cowboy,” he is coming off a loss to Mike Perry at UFC Fort Lauderdale last month and has dropped two straight. Oliveira (19-7-1, 2 NC) had won six of eight before the current skid and was considered a contender at 170 pounds.