UFC Kansas City experienced a significant change in its fight card.
Ahmad Hassanzada, initially scheduled to compete, was arrested on Saturday in Sacramento, California, according to official records. The arrest is related to alleged sexual misconduct against a minor. Hassanzada faces felony charges, including lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age.
News of the arrest was initially reported by Ag. Fight.
Hassanzada is currently detained in Sacramento County Jail with bail set at $400,000. His court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday morning, as per official records.
The 28-year-old fighter was set to face Evan Elder at the Saturday event. Now, Evan Elder will instead fight UFC newcomer Gauge Young, as announced by the promotion.
Hassanzada secured his UFC contract after a third-round submission victory over Dylan Mantello on Dana White’s Contender Series last September. Previously, he competed on DWCS two years prior, losing to Nazim Sadykhov in August 2022. However, he had since rebounded, achieving a 3-1 record in his subsequent four fights.
UFC officials have confirmed that Hassanzada is no longer under contract with the organization. MMA Mania was the first to report his release from the UFC.
