An expected debut at this Saturday’s UFC card has been scrapped after a fighter was booked on disturbing felony charges last weekend.
Lightweight fighter Ahmad Hassanzada was arrested on Saturday with felony charges of “lewd or lascivious act with a child under 14” and “Lewd act on child victim 14 or 15” by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, per recent reports from MMA Junkie and AgFight.
Local news outlet KCRA noted that Hassanzada turned himself in after a warrant for his arrest was posted. The ongoing investigation relates to crimes that were alleged to have started last year. Local police haven’t revealed much more information due to the “sensitive nature” of the case, the Sacramento Bee reported.
The 28-year-old is being held on a bail of $400,000 and is expected to have his first court hearing on Tuesday. UFC has not only dropped him from this weekend’s show but also released him from the promotion altogether following the arrest.
Hassanzada was scheduled to make his first-ever UFC appearance this weekend in Kansas City against Evan Elder. A UFC press release, which didn’t specify that Hassanzada had withdrawn due to an arrest, stated that he has been replaced by promotional newcomer Gauge Young.
Hassanzada secured a UFC deal last September following a third-round submission win on “Dana White’s Contender Series.” He had impressed on the U.S. regionals in the years before then, attaining wins in promotions like LFA and Cage Warriors.
The lightweight fighter has spent recent years residing in Sacramento to train out of the prolific Team Alpha Male gym.
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