Former MMA fighter charged
by John Burnett
A well-known former mixed martial artist is now fighting his battles in court.
Wesley John Correira Jr., aka "Cabbage," pleaded not guilty Thursday in Hilo Circuit Court to first-degree burglary and second-degree theft.
Trial is set for Aug. 1 at 8:30 a.m. before Circuit Judge Glenn Hara.
Correira is accused of burglarizing a Hawaiian Paradise Park home Sept. 1, 2009. According to police, a television and assorted electronic equipment and games valued at $4,200 were taken.
Police arrested the 32-year-old Correira Wednesday afternoon in the Walmart parking lot. He was also charged with an additional second-degree theft charge, for allegedly taking an iPhone from behind the counter of a Makaala Street store April 8, plus failure to appear and two counts of contempt of court.
First-degree burglary carries a possible 10-year prison sentence, while second-degree theft is punishable by five years in prison.
He is in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in lieu of $19,900 bail.
Correira was also indicted for auto theft May 5. There have been no court appearances in that case. According to prosecutors, Correira also has court cases pending on terroristic threatening and shoplifting charges. Court records indicate that he's on probation for a 2009 conviction for abuse of a family/household member.
Correira fought four times in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He became a favorite among UFC fans for his ability to absorb punches. He fought two UFC heavyweight champions, Tim Sylvia and Andre Arlovski, losing both bouts by technical knockout due to punches. His only UFC victory was over popular bar brawler David "Tank" Abbott, a TKO stoppage due to a cut in 2003. He also lost via TKO to Strikeforce heavyweight contender Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva in an Elite XC event in 2007.
Correira's last fight was a first-round TKO loss to Jeff Ford April 12, 2008, in a Worldwide Fighting Championship Event in Denver. His career record was 19 wins and 14 defeats.
