New UFC signing's troubled past

[Wild]

The UFC recently added another heavyweight to its roster in Legacy FC's Cody East. He's reportedly scheduled to fight Walt Harris on the preliminary card of UFC 197: Cormier vs. Jones 2 on April 23rd. "The Freight Train" has been in the pros since May 2008, compiling a 12-1 record, with 11 of his victories by either knockout or submission, and his 40 second TKO of Kevin Asplund on February 5th will soon be featured on Dana White's "Lookin' For a Fight" series.

East's signing comes with a lengthy and controversial criminal history, which dates back to his days as a state champion wrestler for Los Lunas High School in New Mexico. The most serious charge he faced (and was ultimately acquitted of) was rape, but he's also served time in prison for multiple other offenses. Here's a news timeline of Cody's violent past:

September 2005 - East arrested on sexual assault charges

August 2006 - Request to attend out-of-state college denied after repeatedly violating conditional terms

April 2007 - Details on East's alleged rape

July 2007 - East arrested on charges of aggravated assault and child abuse

December 2008 - East sentenced to 3 years in prison

LINK: New UFC signing's troubled past includes rape charge, battery and child abuse conviction.

 

[hit4me4]

So he's the new 40/40 guy?

 

[teamquestnorth]

Anyone with a shaved head and a goatee is most likely a criminal.

 

[BeardOfKnowledge]

Anyone with a shaved head and a goatee is most likely a criminal.

 

[Robbie Hart]

I don't know this dude but sexual assault and child abuse? You're out

 

[Clappin'Daddys]

The UFC is so desperate for hw that they sign people like this.

That's what happens when u come at people with the 10/10

If your a big man with any ounce of athletic ability, it would be wise for you to try your hand at basketball or football before hand.

 

[Robbie Hart]

The UFC is so desperate for hw that they sign people like this.

That's what happens when u come at people with the 10/10

If your a big man with any ounce of athletic ability, it would be wise for you to try your hand at basketball or football before hand.

Shit, dawg, child abuse? You're not condoning it, but I would deliver a baseball bat to the head if I felt that was something someone thought was "acceptable".....no problem hitting a home run on their skull and accept the consequences of doing so.

 

[Clappin'Daddys]

Shit, dawg, child abuse? You're not condoning it, but I would deliver a baseball bat to the head if I felt that was something someone thought was "acceptable".....no problem hitting a home run on their skull and accept the consequences of doing so.

Don't get me wrong, definitely not condoning it, but this is what the UFC hw division is reduced to when you look at the payouts.

All I'm saying is people like mittrione and schaub tried their hands at football before they did mma

 

[PeteyParker]

We are a billion dollar company. Background checks, who needs those?!

-UFC










That sounds like what they are saying.

 

[Ted Williams' head]

He looks like a creep.

Hoping Walt Harris pulls off a brutal KO

 

[Darqnezz]

Well it's not a church social group. It's company full of grown men that give each other concussions for cash. He served his time. As long as he keeps himself out of trouble he's earned his shot.

 

[Robbie Hart]

 

[Wild]

We are a billion dollar company. Background checks, who needs those?!

-UFC










That sounds like what they are saying.

Or they just didn't give a shit.

 

[soundoff71]

Well, he definitely belongs in a cage. Just not in one with a ref or mats.

 

[PeteyParker]

Could

Or they just didn't give a shit.

could be that too.

 

[La Paix]

Does he train out of Glendale?

 

[BanMe]

I haven't researched, but that list only shows one conviction.

 

[Team Bisping]

Only the UFC would sign a fighter who'd have zero chance of getting a visa to fight outside the US.

 

[kneeblock]

Sounds like he's either a total headcase or has had some really rough times with alcohol in his youth. Either way, it's a PR disaster. I hope he's changed his life, but that's a steep climb from where he was at 10 years ago.

 

[jason73]

he must be from team loyd irvin

 

[pattitude]

If even half of the stuff is true, this guy is a shitbag bully at the very least! He's a rapist and has assaulted multiple people, including his own father!

Attention UFC refs: late hits to this guy's head aren't counted as late until after 10 unanswered strikes. Also, Pride rules will be in effect regarding stomps and soccer kicks. Thank you - Karma

 

[Deleted member 1]

You know, arrested once for rape accusation? No conviction? I'll be suspicious, but don't know the details...

oh, he was arrested again? and again? and again? for sex crimes? And he beat up his friend in a drunken rage?

Oh and then convicted of child abuse?

Greatttt job Zuffa!



also cannot unsee those crazy eyes

 

[Punch]

Anyone with a shaved head and a goatee is most likely a criminal.

?

 

[Haulport]

Anyone with a shaved head and a goatee is most likely a criminal.

Hey! I resemble that remark but am an upstanding citizen!

 

[Haulport]

I was following Cody when he first showed up and lost a little interest when he lost to Tony Lopez. I knew he got things back on track but I NO idea the dude's 3 year gap in fights was because of a prison sentence and all this other crap. Not sure if I would sign a guy like this regardless of the whole 2nd chance thing........