A veteran UFC welterweight fighter, Tim Means, has been arrested in Tijeras, New Mexico, following serious allegations of child abuse made by his 17-year-old daughter. The incident reportedly began as a verbal dispute over household cleanliness that escalated into a physical altercation.
According to court records, the teenage girl contacted law enforcement after claiming Means became aggressive, headbutting her and causing a nosebleed. She also alleges that Means grabbed her by the throat, threw a potato at her face, and struck her in the head with a closed fist when she attempted to defend herself.
Visible marks, including red marks on her neck consistent with strangulation, blood around her nose, and multiple red marks on her face and cheek, were reportedly noted in the complaint as evidence of the alleged abuse.
Means, known as “The Dirty Bird,” was released on his own recognizance on Friday, and the child abuse charge remains an open case.
Means last competed in the UFC at UFC 307 in October 2024, where he was submitted in the first round by Court McGee. The fighter, who also works as a wrestling coach at Moriarty High School, has faced recent difficulties in his career, losing five of his last six UFC appearances. He is one of the longest-serving welterweight fighters in the UFC, with 30 fights and a record of 15 wins and 14 losses with one no contest during his tenure with the promotion. His overall professional record stands at 33 wins, 17 losses, and one no contest, with notable victories over fighters like Andre Fialho, Mike Perry, and Thiago Alves.