Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Tending to its own domestic abuse woes, UFC cuts Silva, suspends Johnson

UFC on Fox 12

Jeff Chiu / AP

Anthony Johnson celebrates after beating Antonio Rogerio Nogueira by technical knockout during the first round of a light heavyweight mixed martial arts bout at a UFC on Fox event in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, July 26, 2014.

Click to enlarge photo

Light heavyweight Thiago Silva of Brazil attends a news conference Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009.

The UFC has suspended light heavyweight Anthony Johnson indefinitely and terminated Thiago Silva's contract.

The mixed martial arts organization took the actions Friday.

Johnson (18-4) is a top 205-pound contender, but the UFC reacted swiftly after a report from BloodyElbow.com, which claims that the mother of Johnson's children has accused him of abusive acts.

Silva (16-3) was arrested in Florida in February after authorities say he threatened to shoot his estranged wife and her boyfriend. He was released by the promotion after his arrest, but the Brazilian was re-signed earlier this month after the charges against him were dropped.

The UFC cited new "video and audio evidence" in releasing Silva again Friday.

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