UFC fighter Luis Pena arrested in Florida on robbery, battery charges

UFC fighter Luis Pena has been arrested on charges of robbery and assault.

Pena was taken into custody Friday by the Coral Springs (Florida) Police Department on three counts: robbery by sudden snatching, battery and criminal mischief, according to online records. As of Saturday evening, he was being held at the Broward County Detention Center on a hold from Palm Beach County. MMAFighting.com was the first to report the news.

Coral Springs PD spokesperson Christian Swinson confirmed that Pena was apprehended by the law enforcement agency Friday after a warrant for Pena's arrest was called in from an outside jurisdiction. After getting a tip that Pena was in Coral Springs, officers made contact with the MMA fighter, confirmed his identity and brought him in, Swinson said.

In Florida, robbery by sudden snatching is a potential felony. Requests for more information about the charges were not immediately returned by Florida law enforcement agencies Saturday.

On Wednesday, Pena tweeted that he has had "serious mental health issues" his entire life and had "finally gained the strength to get and accept the help I've needed for a long time."

Hunter Campbell, the UFC's executive vice president and chief business officer, told ESPN that the promotion is looking into the situation. He said the UFC has been aware that Pena has been going through mental health and substance issues, and the promotion will not book him in a fight until it finds out more information.

Pena's team with First Round Management did not respond to a request for comment.

Pena, 27, last fought for the UFC in April, beating Alexander Munoz. The lightweight and featherweight fighter was suspended 4.5 months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for a positive marijuana test last June. Pena (9-3) sports a 5-3 UFC record and is an alum of "The Ultimate Fighter." He is also known by his nickname "Violent Bob Ross" due to his passing resemblance to the famous late painter.