Travis Browne reinstated by UFC after domestic violence investigation concludes
UFC heavyweight Travis Browne is officially back on the roster after officials completed an investigation into claims of domestic violence that surfaced in July based on a social media post by the fighter's ex-fiancee.
Browne was accused of domestic violence by Jenna Renee Webb, who posted a photo online and an allegation that the UFC heavyweight was responsible for several bruises across her body.
Webb never filed charges with police, but the UFC acted on the accusation and suspended Browne immediately pending a full investigation.
"Upon learning of the posting of photographs on social media on or about July 8, 2015 by an individual reflecting bruises on their person and corresponding commentary that Travis Browne had committed the acts resulting in the bruising, UFC, through the Las Vegas-based law firm Campbell & Williams, began efforts to retain a third party to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into this matter," UFC officials said in a statement released on Friday. "In mid-July, Campbell & Williams retained a private investigator with more than 25 years of experience as a Supervisory Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation operating out of the Los Angeles Field Office and as a Special Inspector General for the United States of America. The investigator has overseen countless investigations involving thousands of witnesses and subject interviews.
"As part of his nearly two-month investigation into the Browne matter, the investigator and his colleagues interviewed nearly a dozen individuals located in several states. The interviewees included the principals of the investigation, former spouses, individuals with close personal relationships and health-care professionals. Additionally, the investigator obtained various forms of electronic data reflecting interactions of the principals with each other and third parties. The investigation also included electronic and hand searches for relevant civil and criminal records, law enforcement service-call records and the like."
Following the allegations that were made, Browne's manager John Fosco released a statement to FOX Sports maintaining that the heavyweight fighter was "1000-percent innocent".
The results of that investigation were returned on Friday and exonerated Browne in the matter based on the findings by the third-party law firm and independent investigator.
"Based on the abundant evidence gathered to date, the results of the investigation are inconclusive to support the claims of alleged domestic violence involving Browne," UFC officials said. "Similarly, the evidence was inconclusive to support a finding that Browne had violated the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy.
"The evidence gathered in the investigation has also been reviewed by Donald J. Campbell, Esq. of Campbell & Williams, a former state and federal prosecutor with extensive experience overseeing criminal investigations, who likewise concurs that the results of the investigation are inconclusive."
As a result of the investigation, Browne has been reinstated to the UFC and will now be able to return to action.
"UFC has lifted Browne's temporary suspension and anticipates him returning to competition in the coming months," UFC officials stated. "UFC takes allegations of domestic violence very seriously, and they will be investigated for their validity. If proven true with facts, it will result in swift action on our part."
