Latest news with #DiegoSanchez
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez released pending trial
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez was released from custody Tuesday while awaiting trial for allegedly firing a gun out of a vehicle in Albuquerque. Rio Grande once again goes dry in Albuquerque Police said a Jeep Gladiator was passing by a crash on I-40 west at University. Police service aides on scene of the crash said the passenger of the Jeep shot off a round. An officer followed the vehicle and pulled it over. According to court documents, Sanchez denied shooting the gun, but told the officer there was a gun in the car. The driver allowed the officer to search the car and police found three live rounds and a spent casing on passenger's side. The driver, who is not facing charges, told police Sanchez shot the gun out of the car window. Judge Cindy Leos decided not to hold Sanchez in custody while awaiting trial, citing his lack of criminal history. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Diego Sanchez's Lawyer Confirm the Route of Counceling After the UFC Veteran's Release in Felony Case
Images via MMA Fighting and KOB 4 YouTube Channel: Diego Sanchez Diego Sanchez is what fans call the old guard. After all, the enigmatic fighter was instrumental in the promotion's early growth and was the inaugural winner of the Ultimate Fighter in 2005. However, recent events have derailed that legacy. A few days ago, Sanchez was arrested after a firearm incident on a New Mexico highway. According to authorities, the 43-year-old was a passenger in a Jeep Gladiator when a gun was allegedly fired while passing a crash site on Interstate 40. Sanchez denied pulling the trigger but admitted there was a gun in the vehicle. However, police later discovered three spent shell casings on his side and an empty Glock 42. The driver eventually confirmed that Sanchez was the one who fired the shots. Diego Sanchez Released Without Bond on Tuesday And now, Judge Cindy Leos has decided not to hold Sanchez in custody while awaiting trial owing to his lack of criminal history. The judge said, 'Obviously discharging a gun is dangerous, but I'm not hearing anything that the defendant was trying to shoot somebody, which to me is an important distinction.' UFC Hall of Famer Diego Sanchez set to be released from jail after gun incident She released the MMA veteran from jail without bond on Tuesday. For the unversed, Sanchez was in custody at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on a no-hold bond since the incident on Friday. Apart from this, Sanchez's lawyer has come forward with some interesting development. Jason Bowles told TMZ Sports that the former UFC title challenger will 'channel his energy and passion into getting better with some needed treatment and counseling" after being released from jail for his gun-related arrest.' He further cited Sanchez's contribution to his native Albuquerque area and his status as a beloved UFC veteran. 'Diego has done so much good for the Albuquerque community over the years and has been a role model for many at risk youth. He is a much-loved UFC legend. We believe he is on the path back to greatness in all areas of his life.' Sanchez could face 18 months in prison as shooting from a motor vehicle is a fourth-degree felony in New Mexico. However, his UFC contributions cannot be understated. Diego Sanchez Is the Ultimate Underdog Inside the Octagon Diego Sanchez was the original winner of TUF 1 and played a major role in the UFC's early rise to fame. Known as 'The Nightmare,' he fought across three weight classes—welterweight, lightweight, and featherweight, during his long run with the promotion. One of his most memorable moments came in December 2009, when he challenged B.J. Penn for the lightweight title at UFC 107 but fell short. 15 Years Later - Diego Sanchez TUF 1 Highlights Sanchez's last MMA fight was a decision loss to Kevin Lee at Eagle FC 46 in March 2022. He later stepped into the bare-knuckle boxing ring, where he was stopped by former world champion Austin Trout in February 2023. Sanchez was also scheduled to box fellow UFC veteran John Makdessi on April 12 in Albuquerque, but the event was canceled before it could happen. Also read: Khabib Nurmagomedov Points to Jack Della Maddalena's Size Advantage Over Islam Makhachev Amid UFC Rule Change Push Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Time of India
Who Is Diego Sanchez? The Former UFC Title Challenger Arrested in a Highway Shooting Case
Images via MMA Fighting: Diego Sanchez 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. Also read: UFC 318 Main Match Card Highlights and Results: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier, Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov and More Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
Former UFC star Diego Sanchez arrested in Albuquerque after highway shooting
Former UFC star Diego Sanchez arrested in Albuquerque after highway shooting (Image Via X) In Albuquerque, New Mexico, on a busy highway, police say something surprising happened. Diego Sanchez, a former UFC fighter, was a passenger in a Jeep when someone fired a gun. A shot rang out as the Jeep passed a traffic crash on Interstate 40. Police pulled the Jeep over and arrested Sanchez, but he says he did not fire the weapon. No one was hurt, but Sanchez now faces gun-related charges. He was booked into jail and will appear in court soon. Diego Sanchez arrested in Albuquerque Sanchez, 43, was riding in a white Jeep on Interstate 40 on Thursday evening when police say a shot was fired nearby . Police were at the site of a crash when an officer heard a 'loud bang' as the Jeep passed by. Officers pulled the Jeep over near Sixth Street and handcuffed Sanchez. The driver of the Jeep was not charged . Court documents say officers found a gun and two live bullets in the car. Sanchez was booked on charges of shooting from a moving car and careless gun use. He went to jail just after midnight and is still in custody awaiting a judge to set bail . A local TV station first broke the story, and other outlets like ESPN and KOAT followed with details. Investigators say the case is still under review, and Sanchez will return to court soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nvidia's AI Strategy Is Clear - But Is Wall Street Paying Attention? Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Diego Sanchez denies shooting, driver says he did In court records, Sanchez told officers that a gun was in the Jeep but that he 'did not shoot the gun.' However, the Jeep's driver told police that Sanchez was the one who fired the shot . One report quoted the driver as saying Sanchez 'did fire the gun' while Sanchez 'denied shooting the gun.' Also Read: 'I can be an a*shole': Paige Bueckers drops unfiltered to Diana Taurasi at ESPYs 2025 Police found two live rounds and the gun after searching the Jeep. Reports say Sanchez was booked into jail at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and charged with two counts. He remains in custody and has pleaded not guilty. No official statement has come from Sanchez or his team. Sanchez won the first season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005. He was released by the UFC in 2020 after a long career. He even fought bare-knuckle boxing in 2023. Now he faces a very different situation: answering these new charges in court. As of now, he cannot leave jail until a judge sets bail. Investigators have not said when he will be back in court, so people will have to wait for more news. His next court date has not been announced yet, so the public will watch for updates. Sanchez will remain in jail as the case moves forward. For now, this story is still unfolding. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez arrested on two gun-related charges in New Mexico
Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez was arrested on two gun-related charges and is in custody in Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to an arrest record acquired by MMA Fighting, the 43-year-old was taken in at 12:01 a.m. and booked for shooting at or from a motor vehicle (no great bodily harm), a fourth-degree felony, and negligent use of a deadly weapon (discharge), a misdemeanor. Sanchez allegedly leaned out of a passenger-side window and shot a firearm into the air. After police followed the vehicle and arrested Sanchez, he denied firing the gun but admitted the firearm was in the car. The driver is not facing charges but reportedly told authorities Sanchez fired the gun. Sanchez was also laughing while being probed by the officers, according to MMA Fighting. Sanchez won Season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter reality show by earning a split decision over Clay Guida in 2009. He remained in the organization until 2020. He ended his MMA career on a loss against Kevin Lee in Eagle Fighting Championship and walked away with a 30-14 record. Sanchez tallied seven Fight of the Night bonuses in his UFC tenure. His fight against Guida was also inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019. At the tail end of his career, Lopez worked with and had a fallout with Joshua Fabia, the founder of the infamous School of Self-Awareness. Fabia's bizarre training methods included chasing students around a cage with a knife and punching Sanchez on the head while hanging upside down. The two parted ways in 2021 when Sanchez paid Fabia $100,000 for his "freedom." The transaction was filmed and posted online. Following his arrest on Friday, Sanchez's representative, Ricky Kottenstette, told MMA Fighting that Sanchez has been struggling with substance abuse and went into rehabilitation on several occasions to seek treatment.
