Bellator featherweight title contender Daniel Straus, who was just recently forced out of a title match after breaking his hand, was arrested and taken into custody on traffic and drug charges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Straus, who was booked into a detention facility in Pompano Beach, faces four charges. According to the Broward Sheriff’s office records, they include driving with a suspended license, possession of over 20 grams of cannabis or 3 grams of synthetic cannabis, drug paraphernalia possession or use, and possession of MDMA (ecstacy).
The total bond for his release is $2,200.
The 28-year-old has been waiting for a chance to fight for the Bellator featherweight championship since last May, when he defeated Marlon Sandro by decision to complete his run through the season six tournament.
The division was backlogged by an injury to champion Pat Curran, who was set back by a fractured orbital bone. When he returned, he faced Patricio Pitbull and won a unanimous decision. In the interim, Straus (21-4) chose to stay active and took a fight against Alvin Robinson, winning by submission.
Straus and Curran were finally scheduled to face one another on April 4, but earlier this week, it was announced that Straus had broken his hand and was out of the match. Instead, he’ll be replaced by season 8 tourney winner Shahbulat Shamhalaev.
Straus has won 17 of his last 18 fights, but his career will for now take a back seat to his legal woes.