A veteran UFC welterweight fighter, Tim Means, is facing serious legal repercussions due to grave allegations of child abuse.
According to a report by KOAT Action News, Means was apprehended on Tuesday evening in Tijeras, New Mexico. He has been charged with abandonment or abuse of a child. The incident reportedly began when his 17-year-old daughter contacted law enforcement following a disagreement about household chores.
Court records from Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court indicate that the teenage daughter claims the argument turned physical. She alleges that Means became aggressive, headbutted her, and caused a nosebleed.
The report further details that “The Dirty Bird” allegedly grabbed the teenager by the throat, threw a potato at her face, and then struck her in the head with a closed fist when she attempted to defend herself.
Authorities reportedly observed visible hand marks and redness on the teenager’s neck, consistent with strangulation, as well as blood around her nose from the alleged headbutt and multiple red marks on her face and cheek, suggesting she was struck.
Means was released on Friday on his own recognizance. The charges are currently listed as an open case in court records.
Tim Means’ last UFC fight was at UFC 307 in October 2024, where he lost by submission in the first round to Court McGee. Means, who also works as a wrestling coach at Moriarty High School, has had a challenging recent run, with only one win in his last six UFC appearances.
With 30 fights in the UFC welterweight division, Means is one of the longest-serving fighters in that category. He has a record of 15 wins and 14 losses with one no contest across two stints with the promotion. His overall professional record stands at 33 wins, 17 losses, and 1 draw with one no contest. He has notable victories against fighters like Andre Fialho, Mike Perry, and Thiago Alves.