Arrest Won’t Stop Neer-Danzig Bout

A lightweight bout between Josh Neer and Mac Danzig at UFC Fight Night 17 on Feb. 7 at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., will continue on as planned, despite an inebriated Neer’s arrest for a hit-and-run incident and high-speed chase on New Year’s Day in Des Moines, Iowa.

Mickey Dubberly, Neer’s manager with KO Dynasty Sports Management, was informed by UFC officials on Monday that his client would not be pulled from the co-featured bout.

“Josh has been training very hard for this fight and is looking forward to putting on a great fight for the UFC and fans,” wrote Dubberly in an e-mail to Sherdog.com. “Josh would like to once again thank his family, fans, friends, training partners, UFC and everyone that has supported him through his career.”

Neer, 25, faces charges of Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, hit-and-run, eluding police and other traffic violations. This was Neer’s second OWI offense. Eluding police is a felony charge.

Neer allegedly struck two vehicles –- the second of which was a police car -– at a stop light and then led authorities on a 15-minute chase that reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

According to Dubberly, Neer said he struck a stopped car, got out to check it for damage and continued on his way when he saw none. Dubberly said Neer panicked when an officer began to pursue his car.

Dubberly contends the arresting officers used unnecessary force during Neer’s apprehension. Dubberly said the athlete sustained bruises to his stomach, thighs and head after officers kicked him repeatedly.