Getty Images

UFC Fighter Arrested Ahead of Debut Amid Serious Allegations

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 9:19 PM ET

Staying in the UFC is about more than just throwing punches or shooting takedowns. It takes discipline, resilience, and a clean off-the-mat record to survive in the most competitive fight promotion in the world. While the spotlight often highlights knockouts and title runs, the real battle for many fighters happens outside the cage—navigating fame, pressure, and the responsibility that comes with the UFC badge. One lightweight hopeful may be learning that the hard way.

According to AgFight, 28-year-old Ahmad Hassanzada was arrested last Friday in Sacramento and is facing serious allegations of alleged sexual violence against a minor. The outlet reported that 'the Afghan fighter is accused of committing an obscene act against a victim under the age of 14, a charge made even more severe by the age gap of more than ten years.' Initially denied bail, the case was later updated to allow for a $400,000 bond. He is currently being held in the Sacramento County Main Jail'.

Hassanzada, who earned a UFC contract with a submission win on Dana White’s Contender Series , was 1-1 on the show and scheduled to make his UFC debut on April 26 in Kansas City. That bout is now off the table, and his future in the sport is in serious jeopardy. The UFC has yet to issue an official statement, and neither the fighter nor his team at Alpha Male have responded publicly.

According to Kevin on X, he's also been released from the UFC. Dana White and his team are now scrambling to manage the fallout. According to Marcel Dorff, Gage Young—a former Dana White’s Contender Series contestant stepping in on short notice—will be stepping in to take Hassanzada’s place on the April 26 card. One thing is certain: staying in the UFC takes more than fight skills—it takes character.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: