UFC heavyweight fighter Travis Browne has been accused of domestic violence by his wife, Jenna Renee Webb on her Instagram account.
“Probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made was walking away from this life and starting over,” Webb wrote on Instagram account along with pictures of bruising to various parts of her body and face. “I’m still ashamed for staying as long as I did. #domesticviolenceawareness.”
At this stage it appears that despite her allegations, Webb does not intend to press charges against her husband who she’s believed to have been separated from for a number of weeks and is currently in the process of divorcing.
Responding to Webb’s post, the UFC have pulled Browne from appearing during International Fight Week in Las Vegas and are now investigating the claims for themselves.
“UFC is aware of the social media allegations made against heavyweight Travis Browne,” a statement on the promotion’s official website reads. “The organization requires all athletes to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as mandated by the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. 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.”
Meanwhile, Browne’s manager, John Fosco has protested his fighters innocence and welcome the UFC’s investigation.
“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 MMAFighting.com. “It’s unacceptable.”
Browne has been with the UFC for five years and is currently ranked No.5 in the heavyweight division. Upon first joining the UFC in 2010 he went nine fights without being defeated, but has found the going tougher in the past year or so, with just one win in his last three fights.
His defeats came against current champion Fabricio Werdum by decision in a title elminator and most recently Andre Arlovski who TKO’d him in the first round at UFC 187 in May.
