Former UFC Fighter Diego Sanchez Arrested for Firearm Incident

ALBUQUERQUE: Diego Sanchez, the victor of the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter and former UFC fighter, was taken into custody on Thursday in New Mexico. The arrest stems from allegations that he discharged a firearm from the passenger side window of a moving automobile.

International media sources indicate that Sanchez remains detained, his bail pending, on charges related to discharging a weapon from a vehicle and the unlawful use of a deadly weapon.

Reports suggest Sanchez was a passenger in a vehicle that drove past a traffic incident. He allegedly leaned out of the window and fired a gun into the air.

Law enforcement officers pursued and apprehended Sanchez. While he denied discharging the firearm, he acknowledged the presence of the weapon in the car.

A magistrate is yet to decide on bail for the veteran fighter, who remains in custody. The vehicle’s driver was not arrested during the incident.

Reports also indicated that Sanchez purportedly began laughing during questioning by the authorities.

After a series of lackluster performances and a public disagreement between his manager and the UFC, the fighter’s contract with the organization was terminated in 2020.

Sanchez last participated in a bare-knuckle boxing match in 2023 and has plans to continue competing. His rise to prominence in the UFC began after his appearance on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2004.