Daniel Straus wins the Season Six Featherweight Tournament at Bellator 68 – Photo via Bellator.com
Earlier this month news surfaced that Bellator Season Six Featherweight tournament winner Daniel Straus (21-4) had been arrested on several charges in Florida by the Fort Lauderdale Police department.
Straus was arrested for driving while on a suspended license, possession of cannabis over 20 grams, possessing drug paraphernalia and possession of MDMA (esctasy).
On Wednesday, MMAFighting.com spoke to Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney about a number of subjects including Straus’ arrest.
The Bellator boss is sticking behind his top contender, trusting that things will get “cleared up” which will allow Straus to get his career back on track.
Mike Chiappetta: Your No. 1 featherweight contender Daniel Straus has had a rough stretch with an injury that knocked him out of the title fight, and then an arrest on drugs and traffic charges. Have you had a chance to speak with him.
Bjorn Rebney: I’ve spoken with Daniel twice. I spoke to him the moment he got out and made bail. I know it’s a unique position in this industry to take, but I’ve known Daniel a lot of years. He’s been awesome for the organization. He stepped up and stood up every time we asked. He’s been a total pro and also a very good guy, very responsive and adult. One of the better guys to work with. He worked awfully hard to get the shot at the title. I spoke to him right after he made bail. His words to me were, ‘I was absolutely in the wrong place at the wrong time. I should not have been with the people I was with. I believe very firmly that I’ll be exonerated and be able to move forward with career.’
I’ve got his back. My hope against hope is he does get exonerated and he can resume his career. He was training at American Top Team with some great fighters, broke his hand, and this unfortunate situation came up. I’m sure more of the facts will come clear in next month or so, but I have a lot of belief and trust in Daniel Straus. My hope is it gets cleared up, and he’s able to resume a successful career. If unfortunately he’s not and it doesn’t go in that direction, we’ll be there to support him when he gets out.
Straus won the Season Six tournament last May after defeating Marlon Sandro in the final by decision. Straus then went on to fight in a non-tournament bout in October, winning his fourth straight match by submitting opponent Alvin Robinson with a rear-naked choke at Bellator 78.