Travis Browne has been accused of domestic violence by his wife, Jenna Webb on Instagram and the UFC has removed the heavyweight fighter from all International Fight Week festivities.
According to a report by TMZ today, the alleged incident took place in February and Webb will not be pressing charges against Browne.
During the UFC 189/Ultimate Fighter 21 Pre-Fight Press Conference, UFC Vice President of Public Relations Dave Sholler read a statement on this situation involving Browne and the promotion will have the incident investigated by an independent party.
“UFC is aware of the social media allegations made against heavyweight Travis Browne. The organization requires all athletes to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as mandated by the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy,” the UFC statement said. “UFC will not tolerate domestic violence or any other violation of the policy.”
“Every athlete is deserving of due process and this situation, as with any official allegations, will be duly reviewed and thoroughly investigated by an independent party. In light of this news, Travis will not be participating in this week’s UFC International Fight Week activities in Las Vegas. The prevention of domestic violence and the education of the athletes is of the utmost importance to the organization. UFC holds its athletes to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action if and when warranted.”
On early Thursday evening, Browne’s manager John Fosco issued a statement and stated his client is innocent.
“Travis is innocent and we are excited that the UFC is doing an investigation, because domestic violence is an extremely serious issue and this is something that should be investigated regardless of who is in involved,” Fosco told MMA Fighting. “It’s unacceptable.”
“We look forward to complying and I just would ask people to really ask themselves a question and that’s if you’re a victim of domestic abuse or you know a victim of domestic abuse is the best course of action or is it an authentic course of action to go onto Instagram when someone has two children and a family and a job and post something in the court of public opinion? Or is to go to the proper authorities like law enforcement and make a report? I think we have to look at the credibility of the behavior.”