Ohio-based fighter John Hawk plead guilty to misdemeanor assault in December.
[CW: The following article includes descriptions of domestic violence and reference to suicide]
According to 19 News veteran MMA fighter, and Cleveland police officer, John Hawk, 41, has been sentenced to two years of probation over an assault that took place in early 2020. Hawk, who has been a member of the Cleveland Division of Police since 2018, fought three times for Bellator in his 18-fight pro MMA career.
Hawk was originally charged with first-degree misdemeanour assault and abduction, but the abduction charge was dropped and the assault downgraded to second-degree misdemeanour assault in exchange for a guilty plea. As part of the plea deal Hawk also agreed to permanently surrender his peace officer certification.
The woman who was struck by Hawk gave her blessing for the plea deal (per Cleveland.com). As a result of the assault she suffered a concussion, multiple broken bones in her nose and a cut that required stitches.
Prosecutors stated that Hawk was dating his victim at the time of the assault, which occurred at Hawk’s apartment after a night of drinking. The victim said Hawk punched her after she said she wanted to go home.
Hawk has been on unpaid leave from the Cleveland police since his arrest on March 4.
Hawk fought on the Ohio regional scene beginning in 2009. In 2011 he debuted for Bellator at Bellator 51, beating Allan Weickert by corner stoppage. He then lost a split decision to Roger Hollett at Bellator 57. His final appearance with Bellator was at 2012’s Bellator 66, where he beat Marcus Vanttinen by split decision.
His last fight was in 2016.
Support for survivors of domestic violence can be found from the following organizations:
USA – The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Canada – DAWN-RAFH Canada
UK and Ireland – Women’s Aid: 0808-2000-247
Rest of the World – HotPeachPages