UFC Vet Diego Sanchez Released from Jail, Awaits Trial for Gun Charges

[Kung Fu Kowboy]

​

“The Ultimate Fighter 1” winner Diego Sanchez has been released from jail while facing charges for shooting a gun out of a vehicle in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last week.

Sanchez had been in custody at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on a no-hold bond since Friday for shooting at or from a motor vehicle and negligent use of a deadly weapon. The first charge is a fourth-degree felony in New Mexico, which means Sanchez could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted. According to a report from KOB.com, on Tuesday Judge Cindy Leos elected to release Sanchez on the determination that the longtime UFC veteran did not act with malicious intent.


“Obviously discharging a gun is dangerous, but I’m not hearing anything that the defendant was trying to shoot somebody, which to me is an important distinction,” Leos said.

Sanchez was a passenger in a vehicle driven by longtime friend Derrick Montoya when he fired off some rounds while driving by the scene of the crash on the Albuquerque freeway. Montoya, who claims he didn’t know Sanchez had a gun, said the actions were “out of character.”


“He rolls down the window and is like, ‘I love you, I love you! I love you 505!’ and pulls off some rounds,” Montoya said.

According to the report, the state argued that releasing Sanchez showed “absolutely no consideration for the safety of the community.” Meanwhile, the defense stated that the plan is for Sanchez to receive the help he needs to treat any addiction issues or other mental health disorders.

Attorney: Sanchez Getting Back on Right Path​

“It’s a real positive step today, and Diego is going to do a really good job,” said Sanchez attorney Jason Bowles. “He’s a great guy, known him for a long time, and he’s given so much to this community, and we’re happy he’s getting back in the right path.”

As winner on “TUF 1,” Sanchez was a key figure in the UFC’s rise to prominence. “The Nightmare” competed at welterweight, lightweight and featherweight during his promotional tenure, notably falling to B.J. Penn in a 155-pound title bout at UFC 107 in December 2009. The 43-year-old New Mexican’s last MMA appearance was a decision loss to Kevin Lee at Eagle FC 46 in March 2022.

More recently, Sanchez suffered a stoppage loss to former boxing champ Austin Trout under the BKFC banner in February 2023. He was slated to face fellow UFC vet John Makdessi in another boxing match on April 12 in Albuquerque before the entire event was scrapped.

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UFC Vet Diego Sanchez Released from Jail, Awaits Trial for Gun Charges

“The Ultimate Fighter 1” winner Diego Sanchez has been released from jail while

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[Mohawk Banditó]

Oh, it was  multiple shots? That i feel like i didn't know before, I just assumed it was 1.

The argument about where he was aiming is important, sure, but at the same time, it also isn't, especially if it's multiple shots from a moving vehicle. It might not be attempted murder at that point, but if you own a gun, your dumbass has to know that bullets have to go SOMEWHERE when they're fired, and you're not at a range, you're in public

Guy needs to do some time and see a psychiatrist.

 

[usernamee]

Maybe it was a crazy cry for help. Dude has never been very..normal and the last few years he's gone through some even weirder shit with the Fabia saga.

 

[Lee Danger]

“It’s a real positive step today, and Diego is going to do a really good job,” said Sanchez attorney Jason Bowles.

Brian Bowles quit the meth and started a new career with a legally changed name.

 

[coolfight3r]

Seems like a mental issue if it was out of nowhere

 

[Fahcough]

Oh, it was  multiple shots? That i feel like i didn't know before, I just assumed it was 1.

The argument about where he was aiming is important, sure, but at the same time, it also isn't, especially if it's multiple shots from a moving vehicle. It might not be attempted murder at that point, but if you own a gun, your dumbass has to know that bullets have to go SOMEWHERE when they're fired, and you're not at a range, you're in public

Guy needs to do some time and see a psychiatrist.

System is far to weak for ignorant people. Lock their ass up for 2 year minimum. I don't want the piece of shit on the street with my family.

 

[World eater]

I’d say a guy shooting from a car is on the wrong path, but that’s just me. Wish him well, either way.

 

[DragRacer]

It’d be interesting if Diego randomly hit the kiddie diddler that Cain missed.

 

[spinup]

Who's gonna sign him if even jail released him?

 

[BroRogan]

All shit talk aside always a bit sad these news when former fighters struggle to get their life together post-career. Too many of them.

 

[Heisenboom]

Who's gonna sign him if even jail released him?

Fabio

 

[Harlekin]

Sanchez is 43 now, I kinda doubt he'll be around another 10 years.
Completely crazy, a junkie and CTE

 

[kingofthecans]

Diego looks like Mike Perry now..... lucky him....

 

[bobafett]

Is that a face tat? Oh diego

 

[Mind Mine]

Oh, it was  multiple shots? That i feel like i didn't know before, I just assumed it was 1.

The argument about where he was aiming is important, sure, but at the same time, it also isn't, especially if it's multiple shots from a moving vehicle. It might not be attempted murder at that point, but if you own a gun, your dumbass has to know that bullets have to go SOMEWHERE when they're fired, and you're not at a range, you're in public

Guy needs to do some time and see a psychiatrist.

It’s reckless endangerment. If nobody was injured and the gun was legal he does 6 months tops and it’s highly unlikely

 

[Nathan LaMontagne]

Where is the cannibalism charge? it looks like Diego ate Diego

 

[BearVictim]

that's unfortunate. i remember watching him pummel kenny florian live many years ago.

firing off a gun for any reason other than defense in public is indefensible behavior. this is sad because he seems like a ticking time bomb at this point, i hope he has a good support system and has some honest moments of self-reflection.

 

[ninja boot]

Seems fitting that a well adjusted, healthy minded fella like Diego carries. Time for reclaim his original nickname as "The Nightmare"

 

[Elvis.]

He’s not a bad person , he’s just a dumbass , we’ve only been aware of that for 20 years

Also he looks like hammered shit , I hope this sobers him up

 

[Dorkman]

He’s not a bad person , he’s just a dumbass , we’ve only been aware of that for 20 years

Also he looks like hammered shit , I hope this sobers him up

Unfortunately the sustained career long brain damage may turn him into a bad person. I fear for Diego's future. Throw in the ugly divorce from his wife, and Fabia mentally fucking him Diego is going down a bad path. Getting BJ Penn vibes from him unfortunately.