PFL replaces Johnny Case following arrest for alleged domestic battery

The PFL has removed Johnny Case from its 2021 season opener in the wake of recent reports that the lightweight fighter was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery.

The promotion announced the move Tuesday, along with Case’s replacement, Alex Martinez. It’s unclear if Case has been released from his contract, removed from the entire season, or just his singular upcoming fight. A request for comment from the PFL was not immediately returned.

According to an initial report from TMZ, Case (27-7-1) was arrested last Thursday in Las Vegas and was held in jail in Clark County (Nev.). The report stated that the alleged victim is a female MMA fighter.

Online court records show Case partook in a hearing Friday and was released on bail. His bail conditions include “stay out of trouble” and “stay away from victim.”

Prior to his removal, Case was scheduled to fight 2020 PFL lightweight runner-up Loik Radzhabov on the season-opening card April 23 in Atlantic City, N.J.

Case, 31, competed in the UFC from 2014 to 2017. He won his first four promotional appearances before back-to-back losses to Jake Matthews and Anthony Rocco Martin led to his UFC exit. Case competed once for PFL in 2019 (a draw) before four appearances in RIZIN, where he went 3-1.