Two months ago, Diego Sanchez was taken into custody on multiple g-n-related charges. The incident took place after the former UFC fighter reportedly leaned out of the car and fired a g-n in the air while passing by a crash. And in an update from August, TMZ released body camera footage from the Albuquerque Police Department showing Sanchez cooperating after being pulled over. He was later charged with shooting at or from a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony, and negligent use of a deadly weapon, a misdemeanor.

The footage also showed that though Sanchez didn’t resist, he complained that the handcuffs were cutting into his wrists and causing them to bleed. The officer reassured him multiple times that he wasn’t bleeding. At one point, the officers discussed how Sanchez looked familiar. “So this is Diego Sanchez. As in UFC fighter Diego Sanchez. I thought I recognized it, too, but this guy, he’s kind of a bigger name,” one of the cops said. Now, there is a new update on his legal situation.

Veteran journalist Damon Martin took to X to update fans: “UFC legend Diego Sanchez isn’t expected back in court until February 2026 after he was arrested on a pair of charges back in July including shooting at or from a vehicle, which is a felony. The next hearing isn’t set until Feb. 2 so no resolution on that one for a while #UFC.”

Talking about the incident in July, the cops shared that a Jeep Gladiator passed by I-40 west at University, and a passenger in the Jeep shot off a round. When an officer followed the vehicle and got them to pull over, Sanchez denied shooting but shared that there was a g-n in the car. The driver of the vehicle allowed the officer to search the car. Three live rounds and a spent casing on the passenger’s side were found.

The driver, who is reportedly not facing any charges, told the cops that Sanchez shot the g-n out of the car window. And while the former MMA fighter isn’t expected to be back in court until next year, Judge Cindy Leos decided not to hold him in custody while awaiting trial. It was because of his lack of a criminal history.

Diego Sanchez has faced several challenges

‘The Nightmare’ was released from the UFC in 2020 after several poor performances. There was also a public spat between him, his manager, and the UFC. Post that, he fought in Eagle FC and then the BKFC. Alas, he didn’t find much success. He was scheduled to fight once again earlier this year until it was canceled.

Diego Sanchez was never just another name on the roster, as he embodied the grit and heart of the early UFC. Fighting across four weight classes, the 30-14 MMA fighter gave everything in the cage. From his legendary win against Clay Guida in 2009 to his war against Gilbert Melendez in 2013, he did everything he could to be a top fighter. But as time went on, his path took a different turn.

Now, with his recent arrest and admission of ongoing substance abuse, the picture looks even more concerning. His representative, Ricky Kottenstette, confirmed that Sanchez has sought rehab multiple times and is pursuing help again.