'Shock' chairman also gave up on this troublemaker, who now fled with his 2-year-old daughter "This isn't the first time..."

*This content was translated by AI.

A former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who once drew attention for his unique character on the UFC stage has caused another incident.

According to a report by U.S. local media 'KY3' on the 31st (Korea time), Luis Pena (33) was arrested again in the U.S. on serious domestic violence charges and is set to appear in court.

Pena, who announced his retirement in November 2024 and left the octagon, had previously lost his promising fighting career due to similar crimes, and this time, signs of habitual criminal behavior have emerged, causing major shock.

'KY3' explained Pena's latest criminal acts, stating, "The Prosecution Service has indicted Pena on second-degree domestic violence charges." The outlet added, "According to court documents, a witness at the time reported to police after seeing a woman trying to escape the house while screaming. Even worse, Pena attempted to forcibly drag the woman back inside the house."

The media further added, "After a series of dull thuds were heard inside the house, Pena quickly loaded his 2-year-old child into his car and fled the scene."

When police arrived at the scene, the victim was found collapsed on the kitchen floor. During the police investigation, the victim stated, "An argument while drinking with Pena escalated into a physical altercation," and "Pena assaulted me and choked me."

Notably, during the investigation, the victim testified, "This is not the first time such an assault has occurred. A five-year restraining order and protection order issued against Pena were already in full effect."

According to court records, Pena is classified as a habitual offender who committed crimes across multiple states, and his current bail has been set at $75,000 (approximately 100 million won).

Pena made a flashy entry into the UFC in 2018 with impressive performances in The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 27, the UFC's rookie discovery program. Thanks to his curly afro hairstyle and goatee, he became popular under the nickname 'Violent Bob Ross,' resembling the famous American painter Bob Ross. He recorded a respectable 5-3 record in the UFC, defeating fighters such as Steve Garcia and Alex Munoz, and was evaluated as a promising lightweight prospect with a bright future.

However, his personal life became a hindrance. In October 2021, Pena was arrested on charges of assaulting his then-girlfriend and also assaulting another woman who tried to intervene. Dana White, UFC CEO, recognizing the severity of the incident at the time, stated, "According to police reports, Pena's release was something that had to happen," and immediately expelled Pena.

Pena later denied the allegations, and in 2023, the charges related to the incident were dismissed and withdrawn, allowing him to avoid legal punishment. At the time, Pena expressed his grievance in an interview with local media, saying, "I lost so much due to the inequality and unfairness of the judicial system, and I never got the chance to fight in the UFC again."

After being kicked out of the UFC, Pena tried to make a comeback by competing in regional promotions and smaller organizations, even stepping into boxing and kickboxing rings, but he could not avoid a downward trend. Ultimately, after suffering a submission loss via reverse triangle choke to Jack DeSavino at Cage Titans 68 in November 2024 at the age of 31, Pena officially announced his MMA retirement by leaving his gloves in the center of the octagon.

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*This content was translated by AI.