Albuquerque, NM — Former UFC star Diego Sanchez was arrested early Friday morning on two gun-related charges, including a felony, in his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
According to arrest records obtained by MMA Fighting, the 43-year-old Sanchez was taken into custody just after midnight and booked on charges of shooting at or from a motor vehicle—a fourth-degree felony—and negligent use of a deadly weapon, a misdemeanor.
Authorities say Sanchez allegedly fired a gunshot into the air while leaning out of a passenger car window. Police followed the vehicle and apprehended Sanchez. Although he denied firing the shot, Sanchez admitted to having a firearm in the vehicle. The driver, who is not facing charges, told officers that Sanchez was the one who fired the weapon. Reports also mention Sanchez laughed during his interaction with law enforcement.
Sanchez’s representative, Ricky Kottenstette, stated that the former fighter is battling substance abuse and has undergone multiple rehabilitation attempts in recent years. Kottenstette hopes Sanchez will receive the treatment he needs following this arrest.
Nicknamed “The Dream,” Sanchez rose to fame during the UFC’s mid-2000s surge, winning the inaugural “The Ultimate Fighter” tournament and participating in iconic bouts including a 2009 lightweight title challenge against B.J. Penn. He earned numerous Fight of the Night and Fight of the Year awards, with his fight against Clay Guida enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame.
After a 15-year tenure with UFC, Sanchez left the promotion in 2020. His most recent fight was a unanimous decision loss to Kevin Lee at Eagle FC 46 in 2022.
Sanchez remains in custody awaiting bail as his case proceeds.
