It’s a rough day for UFC Bantamweight Hailey Cowan-Brennan. A troubling report surfaced on kwtx, detailing her husband’s arrest. To make matters more complicated her husband is her coach and he’s accused of behaving inappropriately with a teen student.
Jacob (Jake) Brennan, 40, owner of Blitz MMA in Waco, Texas, was arrested and booked into the McLennan County Jail on May 19. A woman accused Brennan of inappropriate behavior while he was her coach between 2013 and 2015, according to a criminal complaint affidavit.
The woman, who was 13 at the time of the alleged incidents, reported that Brennan was 30 during the period of the alleged misconduct.
The affidavit details that on November 2, 2023, the victim met with police detectives to discuss the alleged abuse, which reportedly occurred when Brennan’s gym was located at 6807 Woodway Drive. She alleged that Brennan kissed her multiple times and touched her inappropriately over and under her clothing in nether regions frequently between 2013 and 2015.
The affidavit further describes the alleged abuse taking place in various rooms throughout the gym, almost daily. The woman stated that Brennan would cease his actions if he heard noises or believed someone was nearby, indicating a fear of being caught.
In support of her claims, the woman provided email notifications of Facebook messages Brennan sent her in 2014, suggesting an inappropriate relationship. In these messages, Brennan expressed his affection and discussed kissing her.
One message sent at 10:40 a.m. on June 3, 2014, read, “I have been awake for hours straight and I’m just laying here and all I can think about is you,” according to the affidavit. Another message on June 7, 2014, at 12:01 a.m., stated, “Goodnight, beautiful!! I love you too so much!! See you at 10 a.m.”
On June 9, 2014, at 1:16 a.m., Brennan reportedly sent another message, saying, “I’m drawing a blank. Why do you want to bite my neck? OK have sweet dreams!! I love you! See you soon!!”
The affidavit also notes that members of the gym became aware of the situation and confronted Brennan. He allegedly provided inconsistent stories and appeared deceptive about the nature of the messages, leading to several members leaving the gym.
Brennan is currently being held on a $75,000 bond, according to online jail records.
EDIT: This article has been edited on 5/22/2024 after an email from Chris Brennan in which he disputed the ownership of Next generation MMA.
