Veteran MMA icon Diego Sanchez is back in the headlines — but this time, not for a fight. The former UFC star was arrested Thursday night in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after allegedly firing a gun from a moving vehicle near a highway accident scene, according to KRQE News.
Authorities tracked down the vehicle — a Jeep Gladiator — and found Sanchez in the passenger seat. He denied pulling the trigger but admitted there was a firearm in the back. Police later recovered a black handgun behind the driver’s seat, along with shell casings near Sanchez’s spot in the car. The driver, who was not charged, claimed Sanchez laughed after firing out the window.
Now, Sanchez is facing serious legal trouble, including a felony charge for shooting from a vehicle and a misdemeanor for negligent use of a deadly weapon. No one was hurt, but the implications could be severe for one of MMA’s most recognizable names.
Sanchez rose to fame by winning Season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter, defeating Kenny Florian in a bout that helped launch modern MMA stardom. Known as “The Nightmare,” he carved out a legendary run in the Octagon, including a 2009 title challenge against B.J. Penn — one of the most brutal championship fights in UFC history.
After leaving the UFC, Sanchez continued his career with appearances in Eagle FC against Kevin Lee, and later in bare-knuckle boxing against Austin Trout under the BKFC banner. His final UFC fight came at UFC 253, where he lost to Jake Matthews.
This arrest throws yet another twist into the chaotic career of a fighter beloved for his wild style and unbreakable heart. With fans watching closely, the MMA world now waits to see how Diego Sanchez's legal saga plays out — and whether this marks the final chapter in an unforgettable legacy.
