Lester “The Unit” Batres Jr. on May 8 was charged with sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony, and arrested by Montgomery County deputies. Batres Jr. currently has a $50,000 bond. State law defines sexual assault of a child as involving intentional or knowing sexual contact or penetration with a minor under 17 years old.
Batres Jr., 23, has a professional record of 7-1 and most recently fought at Fury FC 111, earning a first-round submission victory (anaconda choke) over Dumar Roa of Colombia at Imagen Venues in North Houston. Per Tapology, Batres Jr. was scheduled to fight Nate Jennerman in February at Fury FC 116, but the bout was canceled.
The lightweight fighter formerly played football at Kingwood High School and transitioned into MMA after graduation. Batres Jr. was 14-2 in amateur fights and was a longtime member of the Renzo Gracie Lake Houston gym, which has ties to the legendary Gracie family and is known for its excellence in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
“We are aware of the recent arrest and serious allegations involving former employee and former member Lester Batres Jr.,” read a statement from the gym on Facebook. “As soon as we became aware of the allegations months ago, Lester was immediately terminated from all involvement with Renzo Gracie Lake Houston and permanently banned from our academy. He has not been affiliated with our team since that time. The safety of our students, families, and community will always come first.”
Batres Jr. is coached by his father, Lester Sr., who fought professionally for various MMA promotions. Requests for comment from Fury FC, Batres Jr.’s attorney, and the Batres family were not returned as of Monday afternoon.
This is a developing story.