Ex-UFC fighter Claudio Ribeiro arrested on domestic violence charge in Brazil

Former UFC fighter Claudio Ribeiro was arrested Wednesday in Varzea Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil on a domestic violence charge. According to reports confirmed by MMA Fighting, Ribeiro allegedly admitted to police that he assaulted his wife following an argument. His wife called authorities after sustaining injuries described as a broken nose from a punch to the face.

Ribeiro, 34, compiled a 13–6 record in MMA with a 100 percent knockout rate across his career. His UFC tenure ran from 2023 to 2024, spanning four fights in which he posted a 1–3 record. He scored a victory over Joseph Holmes but suffered knockout losses to Abdul Razak Alhassan, Roman Kopylov, and Christian Leroy Duncan during his octagon stint.

Since late 2025, Ribeiro has been active under the Karate Combat banner, where he has maintained an undefeated 3–0 record with consecutive knockout wins over Jayden Eynaud, Michel Borges, and Curtis Millender. His team has declined to comment on the arrest. The incident underscores the serious legal and ethical consequences athletes face when accused of domestic violence, typically triggering suspension from competition pending investigation and potential career impact.