UFC issues statement on Diego Brandao’s strip club assault charges

News surfaced late Saturday evening that UFC featherweight Diego Brandao had been arrested and charged with aggravated battery and 3 counts of aggravated assault according to ABQJournal.

Brandao was involved in a verbal dispute with a DJ at a strip club called ‘Knockouts’. Brandao left the club, and was later denied re-entry due to the incident earlier. According to police, Brandao then “attempted to force his way in by throwing punches.”

When Brandao tried to enter the club a third time, he was wielding a gun which he pointed at a bystander as well as an employee. Brandao then pistol whipped the employee and pointed the gun at a group of people before retreating to his vehicle.

The UFC released the following statement regarding Brandao’s arrest:

“We are aware that UFC featherweight Diego Brandao was arrested Friday following an altercation at a business establishment in Albuquerque, N.M. We are in the process of gathering more information at this time.

“While we are concerned by the nature of the reported allegations, it is important to note that Brandao is entitled to due process in a court of law.

“We will have no further comment until more information can be gathered.”