UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich found himself under arrest early Thursday morning, marking his third DUI charge, just one month before his anticipated return to MMA.
The 55-year-old Miletich was apprehended by the Bettendorf Police Department in Iowa, following a report of a wrong-way driver. According to KWQC's report, Miletich veered across an embankment and came to a stop at a Shell station. The responding officer had to awaken the driver and remind him to shift his idling vehicle into park, as mentioned in the police report.
Miletich reportedly refused to undergo any field sobriety tests, blood tests, or a breathalyzer, although he did admit to consuming wine. Officers noted that Miletich emitted the odor of alcohol, displayed bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and an unsteady balance. Fresh damage and plant material were discovered on the front of Miletich's vehicle.
Per Scott County online inmate records, Miletich was arrested for OWI (3rd Offense). He was taken into custody at 6:16 a.m. local time and was subsequently released on a $5,000 bond by 7:59 a.m.
Notably, Miletich had two prior DUI convictions, with the first occurring in March 2019 and the second in June 2021.
Despite these legal challenges, Miletich is expected to make an appearance at a pre-fight press conference on Thursday evening for his scheduled matchup against fellow UFC veteran Mike Jackson. The two fighters are set to headline Cage Aggression 36 on Saturday, October 14, at the River Center in Davenport, Iowa.
A source with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie that Miletich's arrest has not affected the planned bout.