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A man reportedly caught performing a sex act while watching a swimwear photoshoot was given a huge surprise when he realised the woman he was fawning over was actually an MMA fighter.

A quick punch to the face left the man in no doubt as to who he was dealing with.

The startling incident occurred as MMA fighter Joyce Vieira and a friend were taking photos on the Praia do Braga beach in the town of Cabo Frio in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro.

Vieira says the alleged pervert performed a sex act in front of her, before Vieira and her friend decided to take action.

(Image: Golders) (Image: Golders)

She said: “When I looked over there he had his shorts down and was standing on a path where people pass all the time, including children.”

In the photos, the martial artist, dressed in a black swimsuit, can be seen punching the man who is topless but dressed in swimming shorts.

Vieira registered the case with police and a man was later arrested for committing an 'obscene act' but has since been released after giving a statement and denying the crime.

After his release, Vieira told local media: “We feel powerless. It’s very strange because he’s going to be in the same city as me, and who knows he might be in the same places.

(Image: Golders/@eujoycevieira) (Image: Golders)

“That’s why I have received an innumerable number of messages from women saying that (in similar situations) they didn’t file a report, because they know the suspects would end up being released. I think the punishment for these cases should be more severe.”

Vieira says she had tried to speak to the man but he refused to speak to her so she reacted.

The Civil Police told reporters the suspect had claimed he “was urinating” on the beach before Vieira approached him.

MMA fighter Vieira, 27, who is a specialist in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, often posts videos of her intense training sessions online.

The case is ongoing.