Ex-MMA Fighter Faces Manslaughter Charge Over Fatal Bar Fight

Ross Allen Johnson, 26, a former amateur mixed martial arts fighter, is standing trial in Florida on charges related to the death of Dayvon Larry, a 31-year-old U.S. Air Force airman. Johnson has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and aggravated battery in connection with Larry’s death, which occurred during a bar fight outside the Coyote Ugly Saloon in Panama City on April 9, 2023.

Prosecutors allege that surveillance video from the incident shows Johnson leaving a group of friends at the bar and running toward a fight between his friend and another group of men they did not know. The video allegedly captures Johnson striking Larry with a closed fist behind the victim’s ear, causing him to fall to the ground. Detectives noted in their report that Johnson initially claimed he only pushed Larry but later admitted to hitting him with both hands during questioning. An autopsy revealed a softball-sized hematoma and a 3-inch skull fracture behind Larry’s left ear.

Johnson, who has a background in MMA with five wins and two losses over three years of training, told authorities he acted in self-defense after seeing Larry holding an empty bottle like a weapon. However, the court denied his motion to dismiss the charges based on this claim. Prosecutors argue that Johnson admitted to hitting Larry hard enough to kill him, as evidenced by text messages and statements made to friends following the incident.

The trial is ongoing, with jury selection completed on May 18. If convicted, Johnson faces potential prison time for manslaughter and aggravated battery. The case has drawn attention due to its violent nature and the defendant’s martial arts background, raising questions about self-defense laws and accountability in altercations.