Fighter Denies College Allegations Amid Controversy
The fighter at the centre of a storm over resurfaced college-era allegations has issued a detailed personal statement, insisting he “did not do anything alleged” and stressing there were “no criminal charges, no conviction, and no finding of responsibility” against him.
Speaking directly to what he called “my family, my friends, my fans and the people who truly know me,” the athlete framed the comments as a response to an incident raised by his most recent opponent in the build-up to their bout.
According to his statement, the matter dates back to his college days and was revived publicly during fight week. He said he believes it was used as a psychological tactic, but acknowledged that it dragged a long-closed chapter back into the spotlight.
He was adamant in his denial.
“I want to be clear — I did not do anything alleged,” he said, adding that he was never charged and that the district attorney ultimately dropped the case after what he described as a thorough review. He also noted that a separate Title IX investigation took place and that he fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout.
“There were no criminal charges, no conviction, and no finding of responsibility against me,” he stated. “The matter was closed and there is no pending legal issue involving me.”
He went on to say that his own attorney conducted an additional investigation and, as he put it, concluded on the record that even under a different legal standard, “I would have the same outcome.”
The fighter acknowledged the weight of the subject and the reaction it generates.
“I understand how serious allegations like this are and I understand that people may have questions when they hear only part of a story,” he said, accepting that some will never support him regardless of what he says.
He made clear, though, where his priorities now lie. He spoke of focusing on his wife, his young daughter, his wider family and “the work in front of me,” stressing that the people who have known him through life and stood beside him “know who I am,” and that their view “is what matters to me.”
He also addressed the sporting side. Turning to the defeat he suffered on Saturday night, he offered a blunt nod to the man who beat him.
“As for my opponent, congratulations, you caught me. A mistake on my end was made. It was your night,” he admitted.
He then drew a line back to his wrestling background, recalling how previous setbacks fuelled his rise to the top of that sport. He believes this loss will serve the same purpose.
“Just like my wrestling days after my loss, I came back with an undeniable will to win and focus that led me to the top of my sport,” he said, adding that he expects the result to “catapult” him forward again.
“I will be great,” he finished. “And this won’t deny me.”
