Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez is facing serious legal troubles after being arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on gun-related charges early Friday morning. Sanchez, 43, was booked at 12:01 a.m. and is charged with a fourth-degree felony for shooting from a motor vehicle and a misdemeanor for the negligent use of a deadly weapon.
The incident reportedly occurred when Sanchez, a passenger in a vehicle, leaned out of the window and discharged a firearm into the air as they passed by a crash scene. Officers pursued the vehicle, leading to Sanchez’s arrest. He initially denied firing the shot but acknowledged the presence of a gun in the car. The driver, who is not facing any charges, corroborated that Sanchez fired the weapon while laughing during their interaction with police.
Sanchez’s representative, Ricky Kottenstette, revealed that the former fighter has been battling substance abuse issues for several years and has undergone rehabilitation multiple times in hopes of receiving the proper treatment for his challenges following this incident.
Once regarded as one of the top contenders in the UFC, Sanchez earned a title shot against B.J. Penn in 2009 but ultimately lost. His UFC career spanned 15 years and featured fights across various weight classes, with his last bout in the organization occurring in 2020. Sanchez also explored fighting outside the UFC, including a match in bare-knuckle boxing versus former champion Austin Trout.
This situation serves as a reminder of the struggles that many athletes face off the mat, and it highlights the importance of mental health and support for fighters dealing with personal issues. A constructive approach could involve closer support networks for fighters like Sanchez, to help navigate their challenges more effectively.