Popular UFC lightweight Luis Pena, more commonly known as “Violent Bob Ross,” was arrested Friday by Coral Springs Police for charges including Battery and Robbery by Sudden Snatching.
Pena, 27, was picked up on an extradition warrant issued by another county — Palm Beach, according to records obtained by Cageside Press. In addition to felony counts of Battery and Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Pena also faces a Criminal Mischief charge.
None of the charges have been proven in court.
After appearing on The Ultimate Fighter 27, Pena quickly saw his stock go up, and was soon a member of the UFC roster. Although his run on the show was cut short due to injury, Pena (9-3) has competed on a regular basis, most recently earning a win over Alexander Munoz at UFC on ESPN 24 in April.
Earlier this week, Pena had opened up about mental health struggles, saying that he had “finally gained the strength to get and accept the help I’ve needed for a long time.” There’s no indication as to whether that statement was in relation to the current charges.
People aren't comfortable talking about this, but I have been going through serious mental health issues my entire life and have finally gained the strength to get and accept the help I've needed for a long time. If you're struggling take it from me its okay to reach out
— Luis Antonio Pena (@violentbobross) June 16, 2021
According to a report by MMA Fighting citing a Coral Springs police spokesperson, Pena was arrested following an anonymous tip.
“It was actually called in by another police department for us to go and get him, and then we had an independent person tell us where he was, and they took him into custody under that warrant,” Christian Swinson, a public information officer for the Coral Springs police, told the website. With two of the charges marked as pending trial, Pena may have missed a court date — or the counts could have been added after an initial charge was laid, resulting in a warrant being issued for Pena’s arrest.
“Probably whoever called it in anonymously is involved in that case and wanted him to go to jail,” Swinson later added.
Pena does not currently have a fight scheduled.
