Anthony Johnson Suspended Indefinitely

Today the UFC took a major stance against domestic violence. Following a report by Bloody Elbow about light heavyweight Anthony Johnson’s history of domestic violence the UFC released the following statement.

“We are aware of the situation involving Anthony Johnson. As a result, we are suspending him indefinitely. We are using a third-party law firm to conduct a formal investigation and once we have more information, we’ll determine whether further course of action is necessary.”

According to the report Johnson allegedly struck a woman in 2012 knocking out two of her teeth. Following the incident the women declined to press charges.

Prior to that in 2009 Johnson faced multiple charges including domestic violence. Johnson went on to plead “nolo contendere” and was sentenced to three years probation.

In addition to Johnson’s suspension the UFC also released Thiago Silva another light heavyweight with a history of domestic violence. Silva was arrested on Feb. 6 following an armed stand off with the Broward County Sheriffs. In the police report following the arrest Silva’s ex-wife Thaysa Kamiji claimed that the fighter held a revolver in her mouth.

Domestic violence has been a hot topic in the sporting community as of late due to the slew of NFL players being charged and/or indited of domestic violence charges. With all of the negative press the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell has received over the past few weeks it was important for the UFC to get out in front of the issue.

By suspending Johnson and releasing Silva the UFC is taking a hard line stance against the disgusting epidemic that is domestic violence.