Richardson Moreira | Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Former Team Nogueira boxing coach Erivan Conceicao and UFC vet Richardson Moreira were released from the gym due to rape accusations.
[CW: The following article includes details regarding accusations of sexual harassment and assault]
Team Nogueira, one of Brazil’s most famed MMA gyms, has been rocked by two separate allegations of sexual assaults involving coaches and underage students.
According to Fantastico, a variety show that airs on Brazilian TV station Rede Globo, former Team Nogueira boxing coach Erivan Conceicao has been accused of sexually abusing two underage students. Additionally, according to a report from AG Fight, former team member Richardson Moreira – who competed for the UFC in 2014-15 – has been charged with statutory rape of a minor.
The report on Conceicao stated that the former boxing coach is under investigation by police in Rio de Janeiro after he was accused of sexual harassment and statutory rape. His accusers told investigators that they were 13 and 14 when the incidents took place (in 2013).
Those individuals were invited to train at Team Nogueira after joining the Nogueira Institute; a social project that seeks to provide young people with opportunities to pursue sports.
Conceicao is a former professional boxer who has worked with Anderson Silva, Erick Silva and Junior Dos Santos, as well as Team Nogueira founders Rogerio Nogueira and Rodrigo Nogueira (per Metropoles).
In response to Fantastico Paloma Machado, a lawyer for Conceicao, offered the following statement:
“The defense points out that they don’t exactly know the subject of the news story that will be broadcast. Concerning the speculation about Erivan Conceicao having done the crime described in the report, we inform that.
1: The defense is aware that the Public Ministry proposed a charge of sexual harassment.
2: The facts described in the report are not true, as well as any other implication of violence or embarrassment, because Erivan has committed no crimes.
3: This accusation has only damaged Erivan’s image, affecting his family and tarnishing his reputation, despite having over 20 years of practice as a teacher.
4: The narrative lacks evidence and concrete facts and, at the end of the process, the truth will be shown, as well as Erivan’s innocence.”
One of the individuals who filed a complaint against Conceicao also accused two-time UFC fighter Moreira of statutory rape. They claimed they were assaulted by Moreira in 2016, when they were 15. Moreira was 31 years old in 2016.
In an interview with AG Fight Moreira stated that he had a consensual “relationship” with his accuser, who he claimed was 16 at that time.
Team Nogueira has stated that both Conceicao and Moreira were fired as soon as the gym learned of criminal accusations against them. In regards to the current investigation into Conceicao Team Nogueira released the following statement:
“In order to fulfill our values and the transparency which we have always demonstrated to society, we are here to speak about the accusations of sexual harassment made towards a coach of athletes. We released him immediately as soon as we learned about the open inquiry at the police station. He dismissal was made by resignation on March 21, 2019.
At the request of Rede Globo, we participated in a news story produced by the TV station in respect for all the supporters and people who believe in our work. We do not condone and resent within our project any action that might disrespect a human being.
We have already served more than 5.750 people in our project, including kids, teenagers and young people.
We will continue our work of transforming the lives of thousands of people through the methodology developed and implemented by our professionals, using sport as a transformational tool.
We support and make ourselves available for any police investigations whenever necessary.”
Shortly after Conceicao’s removal from Team Nogueira, UFC lightweight Davi Ramos also announced he was leaving the gym—in solidarity with Conceicao.
Ramos told AG Fight, “I’m very grateful to the (Nogueira) brothers, for everything and their love. I asked to be released because I completely believe in [Conceicao’s] innocence, especially given the precariousness of the evidence presented.”
Ramos has fought for the UFC on six occasions. His most recent outing was at UFC 242 in September.
Survivors of sexual assault can find support via the following organizations:
US – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)’s National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN also has an online chat service.
Love is Respect, 1-866-331-9474. They can also be reached via online chat or by texting LOVEIS to 22522.
End Rape on Campus (EROC), 1-424-777-EROC (3762).
Canada – Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, 1-877-232-2610.
UK – UK Says No More.
Rest of the World – International Rape Crisis Hotlines.