Ex-coach allegedly assaults Matt Brown at hotel, files charges against Brown's friend after ensuing fight
Matt Brown’s trip to Brazil didn’t end the way he was hoping.
The welterweight veteran, who suffered a third-round submission loss to Demian Maia at Saturday’s UFC 198 event in Curitiba, Brazil, was allegedly assaulted by his former jiu-jitsu coach Rodrigo Botti on Sunday morning in Brown's hotel lobby, sources confirmed with MMA Fighting.
Botti allegedly attacked Brown from behind, and then ran away. Brown’s friend chased him down, and was able to catch him outside the hotel. The ensuing fight was caught on tape and posted on YouTube.
Brown’s wife and UFC analyst Brian Stann tweeted about the incident hours later.
Not a random fan who attacked Matt. It was Rodrigo Botti who is an absolute psycho.
— Colleen Brown (@Mrs_Immortal) 15 de maio de 2016
Random fan runs into hotel, hits Matt Brown, and runs. Matt's friend catches him. Wow
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) May 15, 2016
Not a random fan. Guess it is a guy who has had a long time grudge w/ Matt, old coach or something, odd. Security has him now
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) May 15, 2016
The UFC said in a statement that Brown was uninjured in the alleged attack.
"UFC is aware that welterweight contender Matt Brown was allegedly attacked today by a former acquaintance at the UFC 198 host hotel in Curitiba, Brazil," the statement said. "UFC has been in communication with local authorities to gather more information relative to the alleged attack, and is reviewing security measures at the hotel.
"Fortunately, Brown was uninjured in the situation and will return home to the United States later today as planned."
A spokesman for the Curitiba Police Department confirmed to MMA Fighting that Botti has decided to press assault charges against Brown’s friend, who he identified as Vinicius "Pequeno" Lemos. Botti will be examined by doctors tomorrow at 9 a.m. local time, police said. Brown has not pressed charges against Botti, according to the cops.
Botti hasn't responded to multiple requests for comment from MMA Fighting.
This is not the first time Brown and Botti have allegedly gotten physical. In February 2015, Botti accused the UFC welterweight of assault, allegedly opening "16 internal stitches" in his left eye.
In Feb 2015 Matt wore wrestling shoes on mats and Botti got pissed..shoved Matt so Matt fought back. Botti called cops like a wimp.
— Colleen Brown (@Mrs_Immortal) 15 de maio de 2016
It was a rough trip for Brown as a whole. The popular fighter responded to jeers from the partisan Brazilian crowd Friday at weigh-ins by flipping them a double middle finger while on the scale. On his way to the Octagon on Saturday to face Maia, Brown was struck at least three times by fans, including one who yanked on his hood.