Martial-arts competitor denies child rape charges

A competitive mixed-martial arts fighter pleaded not guilty Wednesday to raping and molesting his girlfriend’s daughter.

Michael Mininger, 28, is represented by John Clark, who said his client denies all the allegations.

He “is looking forward to clearing his name,” Clark said. “He’s willing to take a lie detector test to prove his innocence.”

According to court records, Mininger sexually molested the girl over a period of three years. She is currently 9.

Mininger – who is charged with first-degree rape of a child and first-degree child molestation – appeared before Superior Court Judge Maryann Moreno, who granted Mininger’s request to be able to travel to Boise, Lincoln and Grant counties. But Clark said it was for Mininger’s job – not his fight schedule.

The girl told a forensic interview specialist that the sexual abuse occurred after dark when her mother was asleep and when Mininger was drunk, according to court records.