Fighters Alyx Luck and Monica Lovato were not the only women who clashed at a King of the Cage ultimate fighting bout held at Buffalo Thunder casino near Pojoaque in June.

County Clerk Valerie Espinoza and Felicia Fischer Romero, former wife of City Manager Robert Romero, also had a physical altercation that night, Espinoza confirmed Thursday.

Espinoza said the incident took place after the June 4 fight, near the resort's swimming pool around 10:30 p.m.

She said she was talking "Northern New Mexico politics" with a group of people — including Lovato and Robert Romero — when Fischer Romero "attacked" her from the side, pulling her hair, scratching her face and knocking her to the ground.

Casino security officers witnessed the event and removed Fischer Romero from the venue, Espinoza said. She said Pojoaque Pueblo Tribal Police also followed up with her after the incident.

"It was unexpected," Espinoza said. "I didn't see her coming at all. I didn't provoke it in anyway. I was caught by surprise. It's in the hands of the authorities now, and I hope they take the appropriate action and do what they can to prohibit this happening to anyone else."

Espinoza said she still has scars on her face from the altercation, but didn't seek medical attention.

Fischer Romero was "yelling obscenities" at her, she added, "yelling that I looked at her," before the alleged attack. "But I didn't think she was going to do anything to me. I didn't have a clue she was going to hit me or hurt me."

Espinoza said she knew who Felicia Fischer Romero was before the incident, but didn't know her personally and doesn't know why the woman would want to harm her. Espinoza said she has a "professional" relationship with City Manager Robert Romero.

Asked to comment on the issue Thursday afternoon, Robert Romero issued the following written response:

"Unfortunately, a disruptive incident occurred involving my ex-wife and another person. As a witness, I cooperated with the proper authorities. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers as my ex-wife and I work on an amicable relationship for the sake of our son. This will be my only public comment on the matter."

Robert Romero and Felicia Fischer Romero were married for two years and divorced in September 2009. The couple has a young son.

According to online records, Magistrate Judge George Anaya Jr. is set to hear preliminary arguments in the case in early January.

Felicia N. Romero is charged with public affray (brawling), battery, assault threatening or menacing conduct and violation of an order of protection in the case, according to online court records.

Felicia Fischer Romero could not be reached for comment. But according to the New Mexico Courts website, she has entered pleas of not guilty to each of the four misdemeanor charges.

The District Attorney's Office confirmed Thursday that it is reviewing the case.

Contact Phaedra Haywood at 986-3068 or phaywood@sfnewmexican.com.

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