UFC pulls Travis Browne from International Fight Week following allegations of abuse

Travis Browne

Travis Browne has been pulled from all events during this week’s International Fight Week following social media posts by his ex-girlfriend that the UFC heavyweight has committed acts of domestic violence.

Fitness model Jenna Renee Webb posted multiple photos of her bruised body on Instagram in the early morning hours.

“Probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made was walking away from this life and starting over,” Webb wrote. “I’m still ashamed for staying as long as I did. ?? #domesticviolenceawareness”

Webb confirmed in follow-up posts that she was, in fact, talking about Browne. She has not confirmed if she will be pressing charges at this time.

This afternoon, UFC Senior Director of Public Relations Dave Sholler read a statement on the situation at the start of the UFC 189 and TUF 21 Finale press conference. The statement was then posted on the official UFC website:

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. 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.

In the cage, Browne (17-3-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC) has been up and down of late. After a three-fight winning streak of first-round knockouts against Gabriel Gonzaga, Alistair Overeem and Josh Barnett, all three of which earned “Knockout of the Night” honors, he got a title eliminator fight against Fabricio Werdum.

But in the main event of UFC on FOX 11 in April 2014, Werdum dominated him in a five-round decision. “Hapa” bounced back later that year with a first-round TKO win over Brendan Schaub at UFC 181. But in May, despite a “Fight of the Night” effort, and having Andrei Arlovski on the ropes at one point, Browne was dropped and finished by Arlovski with 19 seconds left in the first round.

Representatives for Browne have not responded to requests for comment.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.