Child abuse charge dropped against UFC veteran Tim Means

A felony child abuse charge against UFC welterweight Tim Means was dismissed this week after a witness failed to appear in court.

Prosecutors filed a nolle prosequi motion Monday, signaling the district attorney's office would not pursue the case, according to MMA Fighting. Means had been arrested in April following a domestic dispute at his home that allegedly turned physical. Police were called after his teenage daughter reported an altercation over household chores that escalated into what she described as a violent confrontation.

Details of the April arrest and allegations

The criminal complaint stated officers found visible injuries on the teenager, including hand marks on her neck and blood in her nose. She told police Means allegedly head-butted her during the argument, grabbed her by the neck, and later struck her with a closed fist. Means was taken into custody at the scene and faced one count of child abuse.

The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors could refile the charges at a later date if new evidence surfaces or the witness becomes available. A 12-year UFC veteran, Means last competed in 2024 when he dropped his second consecutive fight, a submission loss to Court McGee. He has gone 1-5 over his past six bouts.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Child abuse charge dropped against UFC veteran Tim Means | MMA Fighting