UFC legend Diego Sanchez arrested once again, faces aggravated DWI charges and more after months of probation in firearm case

UFC legend Diego Sanchez has been arrested again in New Mexico. Sanchez, 44, was booked in Socorro on Monday, September 7, 2026, at around 5:17 p.m. local time. Jail records list two charges against the former UFC star: aggravated driving under the influence and probation violation. Local outlet KOB4 first reported the arrest. No further details about the circumstances were immediately available.The latest arrest comes months after Sanchez received five years of supervised probation following a 2025 firearm case. One condition of that probation required him to stay away from alcohol. Prosecutors had previously sought a two-year prison sentence, but Sanchez reached a plea agreement in the case.Diego Sanchez faces new charges after previous gun caseDiego Sanchez is now being held at the Socorro County Jail following the September 7 arrest. According to jail records, the charges are aggravated DWI and probation violation.The arrest is particularly significant because Sanchez was serving a five-year term of supervised probation. The probation was imposed in March after a case stemming from an incident in July 2025.In that incident, Sanchez was accused of shooting a loaded gun from the window of a vehicle while travelling on a New Mexico highway. He was riding as a passenger in a Jeep when the firearm was allegedly discharged.Sanchez initially denied pulling the trigger but acknowledged that a gun was inside the vehicle. Police later found three spent shell casings on his side and an empty Glock 42. The driver eventually told authorities that Sanchez had fired the shots.Prosecutors had requested a two-year prison sentence for the fourth-degree felony charge of shooting at or from a motor vehicle. A second charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon was dropped as part of a plea agreement.Following the judge’s decision, Sanchez accepted responsibility for the incident. He also pointed to substance abuse and mental health problems as factors that contributed to the situation. He said he was seeking help for those issues at the time.His latest arrest adds another difficult chapter to the career of one of the UFC’s most recognisable early stars.Sanchez became famous after winning the first season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005. He went on to compete 22 times in the UFC between 2005 and 2022.Known by his nickname “The Nightmare,” Sanchez fought across welterweight, lightweight and featherweight during his long career. He became known for his aggressive style, toughness and willingness to take part in memorable fights.One of the biggest moments of his career came at UFC 107 in December 2009. Sanchez challenged B.J. Penn for the UFC lightweight championship but lost the fight.After leaving the UFC, Sanchez made one more appearance in MMA in 2022. He later competed in bare-knuckle boxing against former world champion Austin Trout in February 2023.The latest arrest is now another setback for the veteran fighter. Authorities have not yet released further information about the circumstances surrounding the aggravated DWI allegation or the alleged probation violation.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.