An Ogden man was charged Thursday with aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, for allegedly cutting another man in the leg after the victim refused to participate in a spontaneous mixed martial arts battle in Jordan Park.
According to court documents filed in 3rd District Court, the 21-year-old approached a man attending a family reunion in the Glendale park on Saturday and asked if he wanted to challenge him for a $300 fee.
When the man refused, the would-be-warrior allegedly began calling the man out and arguing with other family members nearby. The victim told police that the 21-year-old then raised his arms as if he were going to hit him, so he punched the freelance fighter in the face.
The 21-year-old responded by hitting the man in his leg, leaving a three-inch cut, charges state. Salt Lake City police later approached the 21-year-old, who allegedly said without any prodding from officers that he "didn't slice that guy's leg." Police found a red backpack near the 21-year-old that had a box cutter with a detached blade in one of the pockets, charges state. Police allege the man also had a razor in his pants pocket.