Casey Kenney arrested, released from UFC contract after kidnapping charges
UFC veteran Casey Kenney arrested in connection with a series of charges to include kidnapping.
Kenney was arrested on Aug. 16 after an alleged domestic violence altercation. Phoenix Police Fugitive Apprehension Detectives state that the now former UFC fighter was arrested on Aug. 16 at 12 p.m. local time. He was booked on charges including kidnapping, aggravated assault (strangulation), and assault. He has since been released from custody.
Maricopa County court records show the professional mixed martial artist faces a total of six charges — a class 2 felony for kidnapping and a class 4 felony for assault/strangulation — and four misdemeanor charges. The harshest charge is the class 2 felony, which comes with a potential prison sentence of a minimum of four years in prison and up to 12.5 years in prison if convicted.
A probable cause statement has been released with details surrounding the alleged altercation with the alleged ex-girlfriend that led to Kenney’s arrest.
“Between the dates of 7-21-2024 at approximately 11:00 p.m. and 7-22-24 at approximately 12:14 a.m. while at the single family residence located at [address redacted], [suspect] Casey Kenney committed kidnapping, aggravated assault by strangulation and assault against [victim] Jasmine Mendez by repeatedly striking, slapping, biting, headbutting and choking [victim] Jasmine for several hours resulting in abrasions to Jasmine’s lip and discoloration to Jasmine’s arms and petechiae to Jasmine’s neck.
“Furthermore, during the 13 hours at Casey Kenney’s residence, Jasmine was incapable of escaping the residence due to Casey routinely grabbing hold of Jasmine and holding her in place during her attempts while threatening to cause more physical harm. Casey Kenney advised Jasmine Mendez that if anyone shows up, he will shoot them and if her mother shows up, he will shoot her in the head. Jasmine Mendez stated she desires prosecution in this matter at this time.”
The 33-year-old fighter hasn’t competed since 2021, when he suffered a loss to Song Yadong at UFC 265. Kenney started with the promotion back in 2019, and while he’s still listed on UFC’s website, his status says, “not fighting.”
UFC officials confirmed to MMA Fighting on Wednesday that Kenney has been released from his UFC contract.
