FEMALE MMA star Joyce Vieira has been snapped punching an alleged pervert who reportedly exposed himself in front of her.

The 27-year-old was taking part in a swimwear photo shoot where a male individual is claimed to have performed a sex act in Rio de Janeiro.

3 MMA star Joyce Vieira was snapped punching a man who reportedly exposed himself in front of her Credit: Golder’s News & Sport Ltd. (Golders)

The Brazilian fighter has stated that the person in question, named in reports as Josenei Viana Ferreira, 26, began masturbating in front of her and her unnamed friend.

Vieira - a specialist in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu - decided to take action after the man refused to speak to her over his action.

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.

"He was visibly erect, making sounds and moaning."

Vieira immediately reported the case to to police, with Ferreira subsequently arrested for committing an "obscene act", though he has since been released.

Ferreira denied the crime, with the Civil Police telling reporters that the suspect had claimed he “was urinating” on the beach before Vieira approached him.

After his release, Vieira said: “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.

3 Vieira, 27, was taking part in a swimwear photo shoot with her friend Credit: Golder’s News & Sport Ltd. (Golders)

LATEST MMA NEWS SHOCK-TAGON UFC's worst injuries from Overeem’s exploded lip to Jon Jones dislocated toe Pictured BALD MOVE McGregor shows off shaved head and fans convinced he is 'back with a vengeance' BLEEDING HELL Justin Gaethje vows to make rival Khabib Nurmagomedov BLEED at UFC 254 Video COSTCUTTER Shredded Paulo Costa leaves UFC fans fearing he won't make weight vs Adesanya DON'T AG-REE UFC sponsor Reebok distance themselves from Covington's controversial BLM rant BITTER FOES Masvidal urged to snub Diaz rematch to face rival Covington by UFC icon Cormier

3 Josenei Viana Ferreira claimed he was urinating before Vieira approached him Credit: Golder’s News & Sport Ltd. (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.”

The case is still ongoing, where it will be taken to the Public Ministry.