Travis Browne's manager has revealed his client "1,000 percent" denies allegations of domestic violence.
Browne has been axed from the UFC's International Fight Week after Jenna Renee Webb accused him of physically harming her on social media.
John Fosco, Browne's representative, questioned the allegations and suggested they were premeditated, reported by Matt Erickson and Steven Marrocco of MMA Junkie:
If Travis Browne abuses a petite woman, do you think that’s what happens? If he’s an abuser, you’ve got to get someone involved—he’s a dangerous guy (as a fighter). You go to the police. ... Abuse is unacceptable.
(Discussing the allegations ahead of fight week) That looks kind of measured. It’s kind of bizarre since they haven’t seen each other in five weeks. She hasn’t said anything about this in five weeks, and I don’t know if she’s ever gone to make a report.
Webb's Instagram post can be seen below:
UFC has reacted to the situation with an official statement, confirming an investigation will take place, reported via Ryan McKinnell of Yahoo Sports:
UFC is aware of the social media allegations made against heavyweight Travis Browne. The organization requires all athletes to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as mandated by the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC will not tolerate domestic violence or any other violation of the policy. Every athlete is deserving of due process and this situation, as with any official allegations, will be duly reviewed and thoroughly investigated by an independent party.
Browne is currently ranked fifth in the heavyweight division with a career record of 17-3-1. He suffered defeat in an all-out war against Andrei Arlovski in May, but he is unlikely to have lost significant momentum after the thrilling battle between two former training partners.
However, Browne is the latest of a series of high-profile fighters to potentially face major punishment. UFC poster boy Jon Jones was stripped of his light heavyweight title and suspended in April after he allegedly crashed his car into another vehicle, decided to flee and then headed back to grab a large sum of money before departing again.
Anthony "Rumble" Johnson—who was due to face Jones for the belt and subsequently lost the interim battle against Daniel Cormier—recently had a domestic violence case dismissed by a Florida judge, reported by UFC.
In February, Brazilian legend Anderson Silva received a suspension after failing two drug tests. Lightweight competitor Gilbert Melendez was more recently handed a suspension for failing a test of his own, reported by Sky Sports.
Browne will need to prove his innocence before he will step into the Octagon again.
An enforced punishment will severely hamper his reputation and chances of grabbing the gold at this stage in his career.
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