Albuquerque’s UFC Legend Reportedly Handed Five-Month Wait to Resolve Ongoing Gun Charges

Two months ago, Diego Sanchez was taken into custody on multiple gun-related charges, and reports noted that the arresting officers barely recognized the former UFC star. Last month, TMZ released body camera footage from the Albuquerque Police Department showing Sanchez cooperating after being pulled over. The stop followed a report that Sanchez had leaned out of a car window and fired a gun in the air while passing a crash. 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.

In the footage, Diego Sanchez doesn’t resist, though he complains that the handcuffs are cutting into his wrists and causing them to bleed. The officer reassures him multiple times that he is not bleeding. Following his July 18 arrest, Sanchez was released from jail but now faces a trial for the gun-related charges. So why does it seem he’ll have to wait another five months to resolve the case?

Diego Sanchez faces longer wait for court date

Just a few hours ago, veteran journalist Damon Martin took to X to update fans on Diego Sanchez’s legal situation. “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.” But why was he arrested in the first place?

Back in July, in the early hours of a Friday morning, the 43-year-old was taken into custody in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he still lives. Official arrest records show ‘Nightmare’ was booked at 12:01 a.m. and charged with two offenses: shooting at or from a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony, and negligent use of a deadly weapon, a misdemeanor.

Police allege that Sanchez leaned out of the passenger-side window and fired a gunshot into the air while the vehicle drove past a crash site. He was tracked down and taken into custody shortly afterward. Sanchez denied pulling the trigger but did acknowledge that there was a gun in the car.

The driver of the vehicle, who is not facing any charges, told officers that Sanchez was the one who fired the shot, even reportedly laughing while speaking to authorities. Meanwhile, Sanchez’s ongoing struggles with substance abuse have also come to light amid his recent legal troubles, adding another layer to the situation.

Diego Sanchez faces mounting legal and personal challenges

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 boxer gave everything in the cage, from his legendary win against Clay Guida in 2009 to his war against Gilbert Melendez in 2013, earning a permanent place in UFC history. But as time went on, his path took a different turn.

After leaving the UFC in 2020, as Diego Sanchez tried his hand at bare-knuckle boxing and grappling tournaments, he struggled to recapture the same success. What’s more, his association with the controversial coach Joshua Fabia even drew widespread attention and criticism, particularly for bizarre training methods like knife-chasing drills, ultimately contributing to Sanchez’s UFC release.

Ultimately, Deigo Sanchez parted ways with Fabia in 2021 and later joined Eagle FC, debuting with a loss to Kevin Lee. However, a 2023 TKO defeat in BKFC and a canceled boxing debut earlier this year only added to the sense that Sanchez’s competitive prime may be behind him. Now, with his recent arrest and admission of ongoing substance abuse, the picture looks even more concerning, even though his representative, Ricky Kottenstette, confirmed that Sanchez has sought rehab multiple times and is pursuing help again. That said, what are your thoughts on this situation?