UFC hopeful Ahmad Hassanzada arrested on child s~~x crime charges just days before debut

An MMA fighter who was set to make his UFC debut next weekend is no longer with the company after being arrested on child s~~x crime charges, according to reports.

Ahmad Hassanzada, a lightweight prospect from Sacramento, was scheduled to compete in the UFC for the first time in Kansas City on April 26, seven months after landing a big-money contract by winning Dana White’s Contender Series.

Yet according to Sacramento television station KCRA 3, Hassanzada’s career with White’s promotion is over before it had even started following his arrest in connection to a child sex crimes investigation that began in 2024.

It is believed the 28-year-old turned himself into police on Saturday afternoon after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He was booked into Sacramento County Main Jail around 2:20pm Saturday and is facing charges of ‘Lewd or Lascivious Act with a Child Under 14’ and ‘Lewd Act on Child Victim 14 or 15, Defendant 10 Years Older Than Victim.’ Bail has been set at $400k, per MMA Mania.

Hassanzada will be arraigned on Tuesday, April 22, KCRA 3’s report adds. The sex crime investigation by Sacramento police is still believed to be ongoing.

UFC prospect Ahmad Hassanzada has reportedly been arrested on child sex crime charges

He is no longer with Dana White’s promotion after being accused of lewd acts with a minor

According to MMA Mania, UFC officials have confirmed that he is no longer under contract with the organization.

The Afghanistan-born fighter won Contender Series back in September following a previous failed attempt after submitting Dylan Mantello at DWCS 72, which was his second appearance on the show.

He was days away from his debut against lightweight Evan Elder at UFC on ESPN 66, which takes place at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City this coming Saturday.

Hassanzada boasts a 12-3 MMA record, racking up three straight victories prior to his arrest.