Ex-UFC fighter Casey Kenney pleads not guilty to kidnapping and assault charges

The 33-year-old, who was let go by the UFC amid the ongoing saga, has been released on bond

Casey Kenney has a UFC record of 5-3, dating back to 2019 (Getty Images)

Former UFC fighter Casey Kenney has been released from jail on a $10,000 bond after pleading not guilty to kidnapping and assault charges.

Kenney was arrested on 16 August on charges including kidnapping and aggravated assault, according to Phoenix court records. Per Maricopa County court documents, the 33-year-old faced six charges relating to an alleged domestic violence incident: kidnapping; aggravated assault (strangulation); three cases of assault; and disorderly conduct.

Kenney was subsequently let go by the UFC, but the American was released on bond after an arraignment hearing at Maricopa County Court in Arizona this week. A representative from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the news to MMA Fighting, after Kenney paid his $10,000 bond as ordered by the court.

In July, Phoenix police confirmed an incident that was reported on Instagram by the mother of an alleged victim; the mother accused Kenney of domestic violence.

According to MMA Fighting, the police report described an “adult female victim with some visible abrasions reporting a domestic violence assault. The female was treated by paramedics and interviewed by investigators. No contact was made with the suspect at that time. This case is still active.”

A court document obtained by MMA Fighting read: “Between the dates of 7-21-2024 at approximately 11:00 p.m. and 7-22-24 at approximately 12:14 p.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.”

Bantamweight Kenney has not fought since August 2021, when he lost to Song Yadong on points.