A Dana White’s Contender Series signee is no longer under UFC contract after an arrest on felony charges.
A Dana White’s Contender Series fighter who earned a UFC contract in September has been cut from the promotion following an arrest on felony charges.
Ahmad Hassanzada, 28, was set to debut with the Las Vegas-based promotion on April 26, but is now no longer under UFC contract after being arrested Saturday for alleged lewd acts with a minor under the age of 14. Hassanzada (12-3) is facing two felony charges, according to Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office online records: “Lewd or lascivious act with a child under 14” and “Lewd act on child victim 14 or 15, defendant 10 years older than victim.” The news was first reported by Ag. Fight.
Hassanzada is currently held on a $400,000 bail. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT on April 22.
MMA Junkie confirmed with UFC officials that Hassanzada is no longer under contract with the promotion, following a first report of his release by MMA Mania.
Team Alpha Male’s Hassanzada was set for a lightweight bout against Evan Elder at Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 66, which takes place at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo. The Afghanistan-born fighter earned a UFC contract by submitting Dylan Mantello at DWCS 72. The fight was his second appearance on DWCS.
