Current UFC Featherweight Khusein Askhabov (23-1) has been arrested in Thailand following allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian man at a villa in a Cherng Talay resort on September 5th.
MMA Fighter Khusein Askhabov and Twin Arrested for Violent Robbery#KhuseinAskhabov #MMA #PhuketArrest #RobberyCrimehttps://t.co/pa1TlqZB2W
— The Thaiger (@ThaigerNews) September 12, 2023
The attack was allegedly carried out by Askhabov, his twin brother, and a third accomplice and was mainly fueled by cash and jewelry. The three perpetrators forced their way inside the villa where they bound and beat the occupant while stealing multiple expensive watches, electronics, and a pair of sunglasses. Additionally, they were able to gain entry to the safe, from which they took over $43,000 USD.
The three fled the scene, and the victim was helplessly left bound and gagged inside the villa. The following day, cameras inside the resort caught the man rolling down a path in an attempt to seek help.
Photo: The Phuket News
Askhabov, began his fighting career on the European, Russian, and Ukrainian MMA scene, where he amassed 23 straight wins. The streak was put to an end in his UFC debut by Jamall Emmers (19-7) back in February at UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield in Las Vegas. He was scheduled to have his follow-up bout with the organization versus Daniel Pineda in October, the bout has since been cancelled following the allegations surfacing.
“UFC is aware of the recent arrest and allegations regarding Khusein Askhabov,” the UFC said in a statement to ESPN about Khusein Askhabov. “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.”
-Ultimate Fighting Championship