Pillar of Lethbridge’s MMA community faces sexual battery charge

Tulsa County arrest photograph of James Lee Mein (tulsacounty.org)

The day before his son was set to fight in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night 49 in Oklahoma, 47-year-old James Lee Mein of Lethbridge, a mixed martial artist himself, was arrested in Tulsa and barred by the UFC from attending the event.

Tulsa police arrested and charged Mein, the owner of the Canadian Martial Arts Centre in Lethbridge, with sexual battery on Friday afternoon. Mein was released hours later on a $2,000 Surety Bond.

Mein was to act as his son Jordan’s cornerman at UFC Fight Night 49 until officials with the Ultimate Fighting Championship released a statement condemning the actions of the elder Mein.

“We were made aware that James Lee Mein, father of UFC competitor Jordan Mein, was arrested on allegations of felony sexual assault,” said UFC officials in the statement released to the MMAJunkie website. “Mr. Mein is accused of sexually assaulting a housekeeper at the UFC’s host hotel in Tulsa, Okla. The UFC finds the allegations against Mr. Mein deplorable, and we fully support local law enforcement in its investigation. The UFC is also prohibiting Mr. Mein from attending tonight’s event should he post bail. Jordan Mein will remain on tonight’s card.”

Jordan ‘Young Gun’ Mein, also of Lethbridge, did not miss a step without his father in his corner.

The 24-year-old disposed of Mike Pyle with a vicious left hand strike followed by five quick punches on the canvas in the first round. The match lasted only 72 seconds all but securing Jordan Mein’s ascension from welterweight prospect to a bona fide welterweight contender.

"I'm very happy to get the win over a tough veteran guy like Mike," said Jordan Mein after the fight. "The game plan was to go out there and not overcommit to any strikes. I wanted to throw hard shots, but not open myself up for any easy takedowns. It didn't go very long but, everything went to plan."

"I'm ready for whatever the UFC has next for me and I'd love a top contender."

The scheduled date for James Lee Mein's court appearance has not been released.

With files from the Associated Press and MMAJunkie