Luis Pena released from UFC following latest arrest on battery and domestic violence charges

Luis Pena has been released from the UFC following his arrest on charges of battery and domestic violence.

UFC officials confirmed the release to MMA Fighting on Tuesday.

“UFC is aware of the disturbing allegations concerning the recent arrest of Luis Pena,” UFC officials said in a statement first reported by TMZ. “Mr. Pena has been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse issues and the organization has on multiple prior occasions attempted to help him get professional treatment.

“At this time, UFC believes Mr. Pena needs to deal with the health and legal issues in front of him, and consequently has informed Mr. Pena’s management that his promotional agreement has been terminated.”

Following Tuesday’s DWCS Season 5, Week 7 event at the APEX, UFC president Dana White was asked about the promotion’s decision to release Pena earlier in the evening.

“This was a bad case and we knew he had problems before that we were trying to help him with,” White told reporters. “Yeah, this was a pretty nasty one, I don’t know if you guys read the police report, but this one had to happen.”

Pena, 28, was arrested this past Saturday night after he allegedly struck his partner “multiple times with a closed fist” during an altercation in which police intervened. Pena allegedly punched his partner and then continued hitting her on the ground as well.

A second woman allegedly attempted to intervene after witnessing the assault and Pena was then accused of striking her with a closed fist and knocking her to the ground as well.

Both victims suffered minor injuries due to the assault.

Pena was eventually released on $6,000 bond.

This arrest comes just four months after Pena was taken into custody on charges of robbery, battery and criminal mischief during another alleged assault on his partner. Pena’s girlfriend later filed an affidavit asking for the charges to be dismissed.

The UFC has now opted to cut ties with Pena, who leaves the organization with a 5-3 record overall after he previously competed on The Ultimate Fighter season 27.