Former Bellator champion and featherweight grand prix participant Daniel Straus has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
A report by the South Florida Sun Sentinel first revealed that Straus, 36, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, was arrested this past Friday on the charge per Broward County Sheriff’s Office jail records. Straus, full name Daniel Mason-Straus, has resided in Florida for some time.
The arrest stems from an incident on January 21, in which Straus allegedly stabbed a victim he was described as being in an “on and off intimate relationship” with, per an arrest affidavit (via MMA Junkie). According to that affidavit, the incident began with an argument via text message, escalated to an in-person confrontation outside the victim’s place of employment, and, after being struck by Straus (who then fled the scene), picked up again at Straus’ residence, where the victim had attended to try and recover a spare key to her own apartment.
Once inside Straus’ home, the situation escalated, with victim stating “You’re big and bad, what are you gonna do? Stab me?” Straus is alleged to have stabbed her in the abdomen with an unknown implement in response. Neighbors drove the woman to hospital, where she required stitches to close the wound.
In a statement issued to multiple media outlets, Bellator officials noted that “Bellator is aware of the situation and has been in contact with his team. The organization has no additional comment at this time.”
A first appearance in front of Judge Terri-Ann Miller of the 17th Judicial Court on Monday (video above) saw Struas’ bond remain at its initial $100,000. Something Straus’ representative referred to as “tantamount to no bond.”
“It he’s a former professional athlete, he can get a bond for $10,000,” Miller responded. “I know I have the authority, but I’m loathe to change the bond based on the allegations.” The judge also decreed that Straus have no contact with the victim, and not be in possession of weapons/firearms.
Straus (26-9) has not competed since September 7, 2019, when he was eliminated from the Bellator featherweight grand prix by Derek Campos. The featherweight twice captured gold in Bellator, first in 2013, then again in 2015. In both cases, Straus was unable to defend the title, losing it in instant rematches — against Pat Curran, then Patricio Freire. In 2017, Straus was involved in a serious motorcycle injury that left him requiring months of physical therapy. He did not fight again until March of 2019, when he defeated Shane Krutchen in a lightweight bout prior to entering the featherweight grand prix.
Throughout Monday’s hearing, Straus was referred to as a “former” professional athlete. However, Bellator officials have confirmed to Cageside Press that Straus is under contract with the promotion.
