Former Mixed Martial Arts athlete Sean Loeffler has been handed a two-year prison term after pleading guilty to a series of domestic violence allegations.
Loeffler is a veteran with 39 professional bouts in his career. He notably competed in the Bellator organization. At Bellator 16 in 2010, he faced Bryan Baker and ended up losing in a first-round knockout defeat. Following this loss, he went on an impressive 15-bout winning streak.
The contender was poised to make his debut in the UFC against Buddy Roberts in 2012. However, his aspirations were cut short due to an injury sustained during his warm-up, preventing his return to the promotion.
On Tuesday, Loeffler received his sentence after victim impact statements delivered by two women in court. It detailed instances of his physical aggression.
“He told me dead in the eyes, he said, ‘You know I’m going to have to kill you tonight, right?'” recounted one of the victims during an interview with ABC-10 TV in San Diego.
She continued: “One time, he literally picked me up by my throat with both hands and threw me onto the bed.”
The second victim disclosed experiences of “strangulation to the point of passing out and twisting my hands back, slapping me, hitting me, kicking me” perpetrated by Loeffler.
According to both women, they are sharing their stories in order to shield potential victims.
“I believe it’s better than nothing. I’m grateful something is happening […] I’m very grateful to at least get some headway with this…because I know there are many women who wish they could be here to say something to him I’m sure, today. I’m privileged to be here today; I know that.”
Loeffler opted to enter a plea agreement. He pleaded guilty guilt to multiple felony charges related to domestic violence. Loeffler was warned by the prosecution that he might face 25 years to life behind bars should he commit a similar crime in the future.
Public records indicate that Loeffler’s most recent occupation was serving as the CEO of Compound MMA & Fitness. It is a gym located in Oceanside, California.