UFC fighter Ben Sosoli jailed for punching drunk man while working at Toorak bar
A UFC fighter’s promising career is in tatters after the highly-trained boxer and mixed martial artist snapped a drunkard square in the jaw while working as an “RSA officer” at a Toorak bar.
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A UFC fighter who made a video on “how to knockout someone out” before punching a drunk man at a Toorak bar has been jailed.
Ben Sosoli, 30, was sentenced in the County Court on Monday to a minimum 11 months’ jail after pleading guilty to recklessly causing serious injury.
Sosoli was working as a “responsible service of alcohol” officer at Jackson’s Lounge Bar early on September 8 last year.
Sosoli, an employee of Lionheart Security, was manning the front entrance of the Jackson St bar when his victim Deang Aguek was asked to leave the line.
Mr Aguek was told he would not get in but he rushed through the door and into the packed venue which was hosting an “African-themed” night at the time.
Sosoli and security guard Tony Mokbel ran after the “highly intoxicated” man who was “off his nut”.
Sosoli grabbed Mr Aguek and dragged him backwards “20 or 30m”, the court heard.
The pair scuffled and Sosoli — a professional fighter well-trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — hit Mr Aguek square in the jaw.
Sosoli and Mr Mokbel stepped over the victim who fell on the ground, sat him up and gave him water.
The victim hopped in an Uber where he noticed his mouth had started to “swell up”.
Mr Aguek was transferred to Geelong Hospital the next day.
He required oral and facial surgery to repair several “severe” injuries including a fractured jaw.
Mr Aguek, who couldn’t eat solid foods for six weeks, required steel plates inserted into his face.
The court heard Sosoli had been training for “9 or 10” years but seriously for “2 or 3”.
Sosoli has fought nine times in the UFC for seven wins and two losses.
He also appeared on Channel 10 reality show The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters.
The court was told Sosoli made a video where he explained to viewers “how to knock someone out”.
Sosoli had never held a licence to perform security in Victoria, the court was told.
Some evidence from Mr Mokbel was also read to the court.
Mr Mokbel said Mr Aguek was “off his nut” and was told twice to leave the area outside the venue.
The court heard Mr Aguek said “you don’t want to mess with me” and “I’m going to f**k you up”.
It was also alleged Mr Aguek threatened to stab or “blow up” Sosoli but the victim denied any knowledge of making those claims.
Sosoli, from Hoppers Crossing, was arrested and charged days later.
He told police “all I’m going to say at this point is the complainant (Mr Aguek) kept hitting me”.
“I kind of get hit in the face a lot in my daily job,” Sosoli said.
The court was told Sosoli had just returned from a professional bout in Las Vegas in the lead up to the assault.
Sosoli had also learned a friend had suffered a serious brain injury during a bout in Thailand.
Zarah Garde-Wilson, for Sosoli, said during last month’s plea hearing that the conviction would most likely end her client’s UFC career.
Ms Garde-Wilson said a planned bout for November was “obviously not going to happen”.
“This offending is very out of character for this man,” Ms Garde-Wilson said.
“He’s known as the ‘Combat Wombat’ … he’s known as a very humble, caring, generous being.”
Ms Garde-Wilson said Sosoli didn’t display the “usual bravado” common in UFC fighters and none of his opponents had been “hospitalised”.
Judge Gavan Meredith confirmed Sosoli’s UFC contract had been cancelled.
Judge Meredith said Sosoli’s “highly-intoxicated” victim was “inherently vulnerable”.
“You are expected to be able to deal with (argumentative and drunk patrons,” Judge Meredith said.
“A blow delivered by hand by an exponent of the martial arts craft is capable of causing significant harm when used on the jaw or head region.”
Judge Meredith said Sosoli’s reference material tendered by several in the professional fighting industry and a New Zealand policeman was “impressive”.
Sosoli was jailed for a maximum 22 months.
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