UFC bantamweight Casey Kenney arrested for assault and kidnapping

Former UFC bantamweight Casey Kenney finds himself in serious legal trouble following his arrest in Phoenix, Arizona, on charges of kidnapping and several other offenses. The 33-year-old fighter, who last competed in the UFC in August 2021, was taken into custody on Friday, August 16, 2024, in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred on July 21.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers responded to a domestic violence call on July 22, 2024, at approximately 12:15 p.m. Upon arrival, they encountered an adult female victim who displayed visible injuries consistent with an assault. The victim received on-site treatment from paramedics and was subsequently interviewed by investigators. At the time of the initial response, authorities were unable to make contact with the suspect.

The charges against Kenney are severe and multifaceted. He faces two felony charges: one for kidnapping and another for aggravated assault (strangulation). Additionally, Kenney has been charged with four misdemeanors: three counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct. These charges stem from a harrowing incident detailed in the statement of probable cause.

As reported by MMA Fighting, the statement alleges that Kenney subjected a woman to a prolonged ordeal lasting approximately 13 hours. During this time, he is accused of repeatedly striking, slapping, biting, head-butting, and choking the victim while preventing her from leaving his residence. The severity of the situation is further underscored by claims that Kenney threatened to kill anyone who might attempt to intervene on the victim’s behalf.

The case has garnered attention within the MMA community, with a woman identifying herself as the alleged victim’s mother taking to social media to provide updates on the situation. These posts have shed additional light on the personal impact of the incident and the ongoing legal proceedings.

Kenney made his initial court appearance on Saturday, August 17, and is scheduled for a status conference in Maricopa County court on Thursday, August 22. A preliminary hearing is also set for Monday, August 26. As the legal process unfolds, the MMA world watches closely, recognizing the gravity of the charges and their potential implications for Kenney’s future both inside and outside the octagon.

The fighter’s career trajectory has taken a dramatic turn since his last UFC appearance. Once considered a rising prospect in the bantamweight division, Kenney had compiled a respectable record in the promotion, competing eight times between 2019 and 2021. His UFC journey began with appearances on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2017, where he showcased the skills that would eventually earn him a spot on the roster.

However, Kenney’s career momentum stalled following his loss to Song Yadong in August 2021. Since then, he has remained largely out of the public eye, with minimal activity on social media and no professional fights. Despite his inactivity, Kenney is still listed on the UFC roster, albeit with the status “not fighting.”

As the legal proceedings continue, the MMA community grapples with the serious nature of the allegations against Kenney. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the personal challenges and legal issues that can impact athletes outside of their professional careers.

The UFC has not yet issued an official statement regarding Kenney’s arrest or his status with the promotion. However, given the severity of the charges it looks like Casey Kenney was removed from the UFC’s roster and is no longer employed with the promotion.

As this story develops, it underscores the importance of addressing issues of domestic violence and athlete conduct in professional sports. The MMA world will undoubtedly continue to follow this case closely, as its resolution could have significant implications for Kenney’s career and serve as a talking point in broader discussions about athlete behavior and accountability in combat sports.