Who Is Diego Sanchez? The Former UFC Title Challenger Arrested in a Highway Shooting Case
UFC legend Diego Sanchez was recently arrested following a firearm incident on a New Mexico highway. Authorities say the 43-year-old fired a handgun out of a Jeep Gladiator while passing a crash site on Interstate 40.
Sanchez, riding as a passenger, denied firing the weapon but admitted a gun was inside the vehicle. Police later found three spent rounds on his side and an empty Glock 42, and the driver eventually confirmed Sanchez had pulled the trigger.
Sanchez now faces two charges: shooting from a motor vehicle and negligent use of a firearm. According to TMZ, he appeared before a judge, who ordered him held in custody after the state filed for preventive detention.
His case will move to the district court for further proceedings. But who exactly is the former UFC star? Let's find out.
All About the Fighting Career of The Ultimate Fighter 1 Winner, Diego Sanchez
Diego Sanchez was born on December 31, 1981, and is a veteran American mixed martial artist best known for his long-standing career in the UFC. He began competing professionally in 2002 and quickly gained recognition for his aggressive, never-back-down fighting style. Sanchez rose to prominence as the winner of the Middleweight Tournament on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005, a breakthrough moment that helped catapult the UFC into mainstream popularity.
15 Years Later - Diego Sanchez TUF 1 Highlights
In 2009, he challenged for the UFC Lightweight Championship against BJ Penn but was knocked out in the 5th round. Before his Octagon debut, Sanchez also made a name for himself in King of the Cage, where he captured their 170lbs gold. Interestingly, Sanchez is one of only two fighters in UFC history to compete across four different weight classes– Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, and Featherweight. The only other fighter to accomplish this feat is fellow Ultimate Fighter alum Kenny Florian.
He has had wars against top fighters like Nick Diaz, Karo Parisyan, Clay Guida, and Gilbert Melendez. His 2009 bout with Guida became an instant classic, earning Fight of the Year honors and later being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019.
Sanchez last competed in the UFC in 2020, losing to Jake Matthews, and had his final MMA bout in 2022, falling to Kevin Lee. Over nearly 20 years in the sport, he compiled a 31-14 record and is one of the most beloved stars in the history of the sport.
Diego Sanchez's Personal Life and Net Worth
In January 2024, Sanchez married Theresa Tapia. He was previously married to a woman named Bernadette, with whom he shares a daughter, and earlier to Michelle Sanchez, though that marriage ended in divorce. Fatherhood has been a life-changing experience for Sanchez, giving him a deeper perspective on both life and fighting.
Sanchez has made headlines in the past due to his controversial association with coach Joshua Fabia, raising concerns about his well-being.
That association ultimately resulted in his downfall, and since their split, he has focused on regaining control of his life and moving forward in a positive direction.
As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $3 million, earned through UFC fights, bonuses, pay-per-view shares, and sponsorships. He leads a modest lifestyle, enjoys the outdoors, and invests in real estate in New Mexico. However, he is currently locked in the Bernalillo County jail on the aforementioned shooting charges.
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