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UFC suspends Anthony Johnson, cuts Thiago Silva after abuse claims

The Associated Press Published Friday, September 19, 2014 8:48PM EDT Last Updated Friday, September 19, 2014 8:49PM EDT

Ultimate Fighting Champion Thiago Silva jail

This booking photo released by the Broward County Sheriff's Office shows Ultimate Fighting Champion Thiago Silva. Silva, a mixed martial arts fighter, was being held in a Florida jail on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, accused of threatening his wife with a gun, authorities said. (AP /Broward County Sheriff's Office)

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LAS VEGAS -- The UFC has suspended light heavyweight Anthony Johnson indefinitely and terminated Thiago Silva's contract.

The mixed martial arts organization took the actions Friday.

Johnson (18-4) is a top 205-pound contender, but the UFC reacted swiftly after a report from BloodyElbow.com, which claims that the mother of Johnson's children has accused him of abusive acts.

Silva (16-3) was arrested in Florida in February after authorities say he threatened to shoot his estranged wife and her boyfriend. He was released by the promotion after his arrest, but the Brazilian was re-signed earlier this month after the charges against him were dropped.

The UFC cited new "video and audio evidence" in releasing Silva again Friday.

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Anthony Johnson celebrates after beating Antonio Rogerio Nogueira during the first round of a light heavyweight mixed martial arts bout at a UFC event in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, July 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)