Child abuse charge dropped against UFC veteran Tim Means

A felony child abuse charge against UFC veteran Tim Means has been dismissed without prejudice after a key witness failed to appear in court. On Monday, prosecutors filed a nolle prosequi motion, indicating the district attorney's office would not pursue the case at this time. Because the dismissal came without prejudice, the charges could potentially be refiled later if circumstances change.

Means was arrested on April 10 following a domestic incident at his home. According to police reports, an altercation between Means and his teenage daughter began over household chores. During the argument, the victim told police that Means head-butted her in the nose, grabbed her by the neck in a strangling manner against the kitchen counter, threw a potato that struck her face, and punched her on the right side of her face. Officers documented visible hand marks and red marks on the teen's neck, blood in her nose, and additional marks on her face and cheek.

The 12-year UFC veteran has been relatively inactive in recent years. Means last competed in 2024, suffering a submission loss to Court McGee—his second consecutive defeat. Over his past six fights, the veteran fighter holds a record of just 1-5, suggesting his time in the promotion may be winding down. With the charge now dismissed, the focus shifts to whether Means might return to the octagon or whether prosecutors will move to refile the charges.