A former professional mixed martial artist was reportedly arrested this week on suspicion of domestic violence.
According to TMZ, police reports show 35-year-old Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is accused of putting her girlfriend “in a football hold” after she started packing his bags to throw him out of their home on Monday evening.
He allegedly carried her into another room, intimidating her but apparently not injuring her physically.
She reportedly told police that she felt “scared due to his size and martial arts experience,” according to investigators.
As a UFC fighter, Johnson posted a record of 22 wins and six losses, beating top contenders including Ryan Bader and Glover Teixeira along the way. He retired two years ago.
Police say Johnson acknowledged grabbing his girlfriend at some point during their dispute, though he denied it was in any effort to harm her. Instead, he said he resorted to the tactic in hopes he could end the argument.
Officers who responded to the scene after the alleged victim reported the incident found enough evidence to arrest Johnson. He is expected to face a count of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Court records show he was arrested about a decade ago on similar charges involving his ex-girlfriend, according to Yahoo. He pleaded no contest in that case to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.
[Featured image: AP Photo/John Locher]
