Former UFC Star Diego Sanchez Arrested in New Mexico

Diego Sanchez, a prominent figure from the early era of the UFC, has been taken into custody in Socorro County, New Mexico. The 44-year-old former fighter was arrested on Monday, September 7, following an incident at a local gas station.

Authorities have charged the MMA veteran with aggravated driving while intoxicated and violating the terms of his existing probation. This latest legal issue adds to a series of complications for the former athlete.

In July 2025, Sanchez was previously arrested in Albuquerque regarding a shooting incident involving a vehicle near Interstate 40. He had entered a guilty plea for a fourth-degree charge related to that event, which resulted in the dismissal of other weapon-related counts.

The current situation remains under review by local law enforcement officials as the legal process continues to unfold. Sanchez remains a well-known name in combat sports history, though his post-career life has been marked by these recurring judicial challenges.