The UFC has taken swift action after one of its fighters was arrested on serious charges. Ahmad Hassanzada, a 28-year-old lightweight from Afghanistan, was removed from the upcoming UFC Kansas City card on April 26, 2025, following his arrest for the alleged sexual assault of a minor under 14 years old. The fighter was set to make his debut against Evan Elder but will no longer compete after the UFC cut ties with him.
Hassanzada was arrested on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Sacramento, California, facing two felony charges. He’s a member of Team Alpha Male and earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series with a professional record of 12 wins and 3 losses, including 4 knockouts and 6 submissions. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 22, 2025, in Sacramento, just days before the Kansas City event.
UFC Acts Quickly Amid Ongoing Investigation
The UFC moved fast to pull Hassanzada from the fight card and end their relationship with the fighter. While the organization doesn’t have a public policy on sexual misconduct, they’ve acted decisively in similar cases before. For instance, in 2023, the UFC cut ties with Luis Pena after he faced multiple domestic violence arrests. Details of Hassanzada’s case are still pending as the investigation continues, but the UFC’s decision shows their stance on such allegations.
❌ Ahmad Hassanzada has been removed from the UFC roster, a week before making his debut, after he was arrested for SA against a minor 🤮 #UFCKansasCity pic.twitter.com/N7wiaiphku
— The Fight Bubble (@thefightbubble) April 20, 2025
Hassanzada’s removal leaves Evan Elder without an opponent for the Kansas City card, and the UFC has not yet announced a replacement or any rescheduling plans.
