Probation Violation Arrest
Former UFC Fighter Diego Sanchez Arrested for Aggravated DWI and Probation Violation
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Key Points
1
Sanchez was booked at approximately 5:17 p.m. local time and was being held at the Socorro County Jail following the arrest.
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In the 2025 firearm case, police reportedly found three spent shell casings on Sanchez’s side of the vehicle and an empty Glock 42; the driver later told authorities that Sanchez had fired the shots.
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Prosecutors had sought a two-year prison sentence for the fourth-degree felony charge of shooting at or from a motor vehicle before Sanchez reached a plea agreement that resulted in probation.
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Sanchez’s post-UFC career included a one-off BKFC appearance in February 2023; MMA Junkie also reported that he competed 22 times in the UFC from 2005 to 2022.
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Sanchez’s departure from the UFC followed his partnership with coach Joshua Fabia; a Vice documentary reported that Sanchez said he feared Fabia might kill him and that he ultimately paid Fabia $100,000 to end their working relationship.
Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez was arrested Monday in Socorro, New Mexico, on charges of aggravated driving under the influence and probation violation, according to MMA Weekly. The 44-year-old, who won the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, was booked at approximately 5:17 p.m. and held at Socorro County Jail. The arrest violates the terms of his five-year supervised probation from a 2025 case in which one key condition required him to avoid alcohol.
Sanchez compiled a 30-14 professional MMA record during his UFC career from 2005 to 2022, then made a one-off appearance in bare-knuckle boxing in February 2023. No details about the current arrest's potential legal consequences have been released. This marks another legal trouble for the fighter, whose recent years have included documented personal and professional struggles.
2025 Gun Case Led to Probation Terms
Sanchez pleaded guilty in 2025 after firing a gun from a vehicle. Police found three spent shell casings on his side and an empty Glock 42, according to MMA Weekly. The driver told authorities that Sanchez had fired the shots. Prosecutors initially sought a two-year prison sentence for the fourth-degree felony of shooting from a motor vehicle.
Instead, Sanchez reached a plea agreement that resulted in five years of supervised probation, avoiding prison time. A separate weapons charge was dropped as part of the deal. The probation came with strict conditions, including a requirement to abstain from alcohol entirely.
UFC Career Included Early Reality TV Victory
Sanchez rose to prominence by winning the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC's landmark reality competition show. He competed 22 times in the UFC over 17 years, from 2005 to 2022, establishing himself as a veteran fighter despite his 30-14 record. His departure from the major league marked the end of an era for one of the organization's early stars.
After leaving the UFC, Sanchez made a bare-knuckle boxing appearance in February 2023, showing he remained active in combat sports. However, his post-UFC trajectory has been marked by personal challenges and legal troubles rather than a smooth career transition into other fighting promotions.
Coach Feud Led to Contentious Split and Settlement
Sanchez's UFC exit was complicated by his partnership with controversial coach Joshua Fabia. A Vice documentary revealed that Sanchez claimed he feared Fabia might kill him during their working relationship. The fighter ultimately paid Fabia $100,000 to end their partnership and move forward separately.
This contentious split added another layer to Sanchez's personal and professional struggles in recent years. The coach relationship became a turning point in his career trajectory and public perception. Sanchez has had a documented history of mental health challenges, which have been noted in recent reporting about his arrests and legal troubles.
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