UFC Star Diego Sanchez Arrested

Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez was arrested for an alleged drunk driving incident. According to KOB4, Sanchez was arrested Monday in New Mexico. He was charged with an aggravated DUI and probation violation. Earlier this year, a judge sentenced Sanchez to five years of supervised probation after he fired a gun into the air from his car on a freeway. One of the conditions stipulated that he must avoid alcohol. Per TMZ, Sanchez's blood alcohol level was more than double the legal limit at the time of Monday's arrest. Prosecutors sought jail time for Sanchez after he pleaded guilty to a felony gun charge for his July 2025 incident in Albuquerque. 'The defendant has shown reckless actions when he shot the firearm out of the car window,' state prosecutor Genia Gonzales said in March. His defense attorney argued that Sanchez was staying sober and seeking treatment for substance abuse. 'All I can do is take accountability, own it, and spread positivity to the youth and the next generation to change these ways,' Sanchez said. 'Not to be shooting out windows like cowboys.' Sanchez, who made his MMA debut in 2002, began his career with 18 consecutive wins. He was featured in the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, defeating Kenny Florian in a first-round TKO to win the middleweight tournament. Sanchez received his first title shot after beating Clay Guida in The Ultimate Fighter 9 finale, named 2009's Fight of the Year. He lost the lightweight bout to BJ Penn, beginning a downward fall for the southpaw. UFC released Sanchez in 2021 after removing him from a fight against Donald Cerrone. Dana White expressed concerns about Sanchez's trainer, Joshua Fabia, who chased his fighters in the ring with a knife. Socorro County Jail records indicate no set bond for Sanchez. Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved This story was originally published September 8, 2026 at 9:48 AM.