The UFC has released an official statement in regards to the news that fighter Khusein Askhabov has been arrested. Askhabov is alleged to be involved in an alleged kidnapping in Thailand. He was scheduled to compete later this year inside the Octagon for the UFC.
UFC Fighter Arrested For Alleged Kidnapping Incident
UFC fighter Khusein Askhabov has reportedly been arrested for his role in an alleged kidnapping.
Reports indicate that Askhabov and his twin brother bound, gagged, beat and robbed an Italian resident in Phuket, Thailand along with three Kazakh nationals. They are alleged to have stolen over $300,000 worth of goods.
The Phuket News reports that the group forced their way into a villa at a resort in Cherng Talay this past weekend and held the victim for an extended period of time. It is reported that they fled to Dubai after the incident.
Both 28-year-old Russian twins were arrested by the Cherng Talay police.
Askhabov owns a 23-1 record overall in his fighting career. His lone loss came in his UFC debut earlier this year when he dropped a decision to Jamall Emmers.
Since posting a 2020 victory at Road to WWFC with a flying knee, Askhabov has fought just once – the Emmers bout. He has had five different fights cancelled, including three over the last few months.
Askhabov was set to meet Daniel Pineda in October of this year.
UFC Statement On Khusein Askhabov
In the hours after news broke concerning the arrest of Askhabov, the UFC released a statement.
Askhabov was set to make his second appearance for the promotion, taking on Daniel Pineda this October 7 at a fight night event scheduled for Las Vegas and the Apex.
The promotion indicated they are still gathering information on the matter, but wanted to move forward with canceling the scheduled fight at this time.
“UFC is aware of the recent arrest and allegations regarding Khusein Askhabov,” the statement read. “The organization will continue to gather additional details regarding the incident.
“UFC will allow the legal process to play out before making any additional statements, however, his scheduled fight on October 7 has been canceled.”
