Diego Sanchez’s Turbulent Journey, UFC legend now faces gun charges. MMA veteran and fan-favorite Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez has once again made headlines, but this time, for all the wrong reasons. The former UFC star was arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico, early Friday morning and is facing multiple gun-related charges, including a felony count for shooting at or from a motor vehicle.
According to a report from ESPN, Albuquerque police responded to a traffic crash around 2 a.m. when they heard a loud bang from a nearby white Jeep. When the vehicle was pulled over, officers reportedly found Sanchez in the passenger seat and recovered a firearm, live rounds, and a spent shell casing from the car.
Authorities say Sanchez was laughing after allegedly firing the shot into the air and initially acknowledged that there was a gun in the car. He now faces, A fourth-degree felony for discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle (no bodily harm) and misdemeanor for negligent use of a deadly weapon
The driver of the vehicle, who is not facing any charges, told police that Sanchez fired the gun while he was in the passenger seat and at one point Sanchez started laughing while speaking to authorities. Sanchez’s representative Ricky Kottenstette told MMA Fighting on Friday that the first Ultimate Fighter winner has been struggling with substance abuse in recent years, and he’s undergone rehabilitation a couple of times in the past with hopes that he’ll be able to receive the treatment needed to help him following this arrest.
At his peak, Sanchez was considered one of the top fighters in the UFC, which culminated in a title shot against B.J. Penn back in 2009. He came up short that night but Sanchez remained a stalwart on the UFC roster for 15 years while competing across multiple weight classes.
His final appearance in the UFC came in 2020 when he lost a decision to Jake Matthews. Sanchez continued fighting after the UFC, which included a brief one-fight stint in BKFC where he faced veteran boxer and future bare-knuckle champion Austin Trout. His post-UFC years have included troubling incidents, including public disputes with coaches and concerning behavior on social media.
A felony conviction for shooting from a vehicle in New Mexico can carry serious consequences, including possible jail time and probation. Sanchez’s legal team is expected to argue for treatment and mental health support.
Diego Sanchez was once the face of heart and determination inside the Octagon, a warrior through and through. His arrest is a sobering reminder of the battles athletes sometimes face once the lights fade. As legal proceedings continue, the MMA community watches, hoping that “The Nightmare” finds peace outside the cage.
