UFC Axes Askhabov’s Fight Amid Robbery Case Investigation

Khusein Askhabov unsurprisingly will not be fighting in a few weeks as originally planned.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) released a statement today (Mon., Sept. 11, 2023) after news surfaced of Featherweight prospect, Askhabov, allegedly being involved with an armed robbery in Thailand. His upcoming fight against Daniel Pineda at UFC Vegas 80 on Oct. 7, 2023, has been canceled.

“UFC is aware of the recent arrest and allegations regarding Khusein Askhabov,” the UFC said in a statement. “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.”

Askhabov, 28, and his twin brother allegedly bound and gagged their victim then beat and tortured them before making off with several personal belongings. Some of these included a Rolex watch, a GRAFF watch, a MacBook, and a debit card, amongst other items.

The 23-1 prospect made his promotional debut this past Feb. 2023, suffering his first and only career defeat via a unanimous decision to Jamall Emmers.

The current UFC Vegas 80 line up can be seen below.

• 155lbs.: Grant Dawson vs. Bobby Green
• 185lbs.: Joe Pyfer vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan
• 155lbs.: Drew Dober vs. Ricky Glenn
• 145lbs. Alexander Hernandez vs. Bill Algeo
• 135lbs.: Johnny Muñoz Jr. vs. Aori Qileng
• 115lbs.: Kanako Murata vs. Vanessa Demopoulos
• 135lbs.: Chris Gutiérrez vs. Montel Jackson
• 125lbs.: Nate Maness vs. Mateus Mendonça
• 205lbs.: Ion Cuțelaba vs.Philipe Lins
• 125lbs.: Montana De La Rosa vs. Stephanie Egger
• 170lbs.: Alex Morono vs. Joaquin Buckley
• 115lbs.: Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Diana Belbiţă