UFC welterweight released after domestic violence arrest

After conducting an investigation of their own, the UFC has decided to release welterweight prospect Michael Graves on the heels of a 2016 arrest where he was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence. The undefeated 26-year-old was scheduled to fight Sergio Moraes in Brazil in November, but was removed from the bout due to the arrest and his status was on hold while the third-party investigation went forward.

The UFC issued a statement announcing his release as a result of that:

“In November 2016, welterweight Michael Graves was removed from his UFC bout following his arrest. As a potential violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy, the UFC organization temporarily barred Graves fro competition pending the completion of a third-party investigation. Based on the findings of this thorough review and investigation, UFC has advised Graves that he has been released from his contract effective immediately.

“UFC requires all athletes to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as mandated by the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC holds its athletes to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action if and when warranted.”

Graves (6-0-1, 2-0-1 UFC) was a contestant on TUF 21, and won his first two bouts in the promotion before going to a draw with Bojan Velickovic at UFC 201 last July.