Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez arrested and in Socorro County

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Former UFC star Diego Sanchez was arrested Monday in Socorro County on charges of aggravated DWI and violating the terms of his probation, according to court records.

The arrest comes after Sanchez was sentenced to probation for firing a gun into the air during an Interstate 40 traffic backup in Albuquerque.

According to a criminal complaint, police were called Monday afternoon to a Valero gas station north of Socorro after an employee reported that a man had followed a woman to a restroom and was banging on the door.

When officers arrived, they said they saw Sanchez stumbling toward a vehicle. Police administered field sobriety tests but stopped the evaluation out of concern for Sanchez’s safety. According to the complaint, Sanchez was unable to keep his balance and had difficulty following instructions.

Sanchez was arrested on the aggravated DWI charge and booked on an alleged probation violation.

In March, Sanchez was sentenced after pleading guilty in a case stemming from a 2025 traffic incident in Albuquerque. Investigators said Sanchez fired a gun into the air while stuck in traffic and shouted, “I love Albuquerque. I love 505.”

At his sentencing hearing, Sanchez said he was taking responsibility for his actions.

“All I can do is take accountability, own it, you know, and spread positivity to the youth and the next generation to change these ways,” he said.

As part of his sentence, Sanchez was ordered to participate in counseling and remain sober.

Court records show Sanchez allegedly violated those conditions. According to court paperwork, he tested positive for alcohol and cocaine on June 16.

On social media, Sanchez later posted about his efforts to maintain sobriety. In April and May, he wrote that he was using the same determination he showed during his UFC career to stay sober. Later in June, he posted that he was “kicking sober” and finding himself without addiction.

Several of Sanchez’s friends told KOB 4 they believe he has been struggling with his mental health and needs help.

Sanchez spent Monday night in jail and appeared before a judge Tuesday morning. He is expected to return to court on allegations that he violated the conditions of his release.