Sedriques Dumas had been making steady progress in his professional MMA career with an impressive record of 10-2-0, including three victories in his five UFC outings. Most recently, he secured a win against Denis Tiuliulin in a middleweight bout, showcasing his resilience and skill. However, before this triumph, Dumas faced a significant setback and a life-altering allegation that sent shockwaves through the MMA community.

The 185lbs contender found himself under intense scrutiny after being arrested shortly before his last fight. The incident created widespread controversy, raising questions about his future in the sport. Let’s delve into the details of what transpired and how Dumas navigated through this tumultuous chapter in his career.

Sedriques Dumas arrested on battery charges

According to Escambia County jail records, Sedriques Dumas was booked at 6:13 a.m. local time on February 13 last year, facing felony battery charges stemming from allegations of domestic violence. The charges were later downgraded to a misdemeanor. The police report stated that the 29-year-old allegedly hit the mother of his child and scratched her. Officers also noted a text message in which Dumas reportedly admitted to the act. However, during the jury trial, Dumas pleaded not guilty to the domestic violence charge.

This incident added to Dumas’ legal troubles, as he has a documented history of run-ins with the law. Since 2014, he has faced 12 arrests, including accusations of similar charges before joining the UFC. In one earlier case, Dumas was accused of assaulting a woman in Florida, though no arrest followed. He has also been convicted of felony possession in the past, which required him to request permission from his parole officer to compete at a UFC event in Atlantic City.

For the most recent charges, Dumas took to Facebook Live, sharing a conversation he had with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office during their investigation. Law enforcement officers had received a call from a woman claiming her boyfriend had hit her. Dumas, however, denied the allegations, saying, “I’m not her boyfriend, so that wasn’t me. We’ve been broken up. … We’re not together. I’m just f—ing walking.”

He also added, “What, you try to say I hit her or some s–t? Please don’t play with me like that.” Dumas maintained that he was merely walking down the street to “blow off some steam” when the disturbance occurred. Despite the legal challenges, Dumas continued to compete in the UFC, appearing in fights in March and August 2024. The battery charges against him were ultimately dropped, but the reasons behind this decision remain unclear.

The reason behind the battery charges being dropped

On June 3, 2024, state prosecutors in Escambia County, Florida officially dropped the domestic violence charge against Sedriques Dumas during a plea hearing, using a nolle prosequi—a formal declaration that the case would not proceed to prosecution. The charge was dismissed after Dumas pleaded not guilty in court.

Following his release, the UFC fighter celebrated publicly, posting a triumphant message on X, “All my charges have been dropped on the DV case and f$u@ everybody. They call me a woman beater to my BM and everything else and thank you to my lawyer Greg Whibbs, one of the best lawyers that I have on my team and will always be on my team. Thank you, Allah.”

Dumas expressed gratitude toward his legal team and faith, seemingly vindicated by the court’s decision. The outcome allowed him to move past the controversy and refocus on his career. However, the incident remains a polarizing chapter in his journey. The middleweight contender spent 16 days behind bars but is now officially free of all charges, with the case dismissed in court.

What do you think about this entire situation? Do you believe justice was served, or does this raise larger questions about accountability in professional sports? Share your thoughts in the comments below!