What did Casey Kenney do? Exploring the reason behind the UFC bantamweight's arrest
Casey Kenney made his UFC debut in 2019 at UFC on ESPN 2 by defeating the former flyweight challenger Ray Borg via unanimous decision. In his next two fights, Kenney prevailed via unanimous decision over Manny Bermudez and suffered a defeat at the hands of current bantamweight title challenger Merab Dvalishvili.
Following three victories in a row, Kenney lost two consecutive fights via split decision against former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz at UFC 259 and then to Song Yadong at UFC 265. This was the 33-year-old's final fight for the promotion, and he has not appeared in any professional mixed martial arts bouts since.
What did Casey Kenney do?
According to UFC Roster Tracker, Casey Kenney has been removed from the UFC roster after being arrested on multiple charges of assault and kidnapping. On Aug. 16, at 12 p.m. local time, Kenney was taken into custody by the Phoenix Police Fugitive Apprehension Detectives.
Kenney has been released from police custody. However, the Maricopa County court has charged him with six felonies, including a class 2 felony for kidnapping, a class 4 felony for assault and strangulation, and four misdemeanors.
All of this took place in July after Kenney's ex-girlfriend's mother accused him of domestic abuse. Video footage of Kenney has been uploaded online, and in addition to being accused of violent behavior, he has also been accused of stalking his ex-girlfriend.
MMA Fighting has disclosed the probable cause, including information about the alleged confrontation that resulted in Kenney's arrest, which is detailed below:
“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. 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.”
According to reports, the 33-year-old may face a minimum term of four years in prison and a maximum sentence of twelve and a half years if found guilty. The case's status conference is scheduled for Aug. 22, followed by a preliminary hearing on Aug. 26.