Khusein Askhabov’s second appearance in the Octagon has been canceled after the Russian fighter was arrested in connection with a home invasion and robbery in Phuket, Thailand, earlier this month. The Las Vegas-based promotion announced Askhabov’s removal from his UFC Fight Night 229 bout against Daniel Pineda on Monday evening.
UFC Statement and Details of the Incident
“UFC is aware of the recent arrest and allegations regarding Khusein Askhabov,” the statement read. “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.” According to a report from the Phuket News, Asksabov and his twin brother, Khasan, were arrested in connection with three Kazakh nationals forcing their way into an Italian man’s villa at a Thailand resort, where the man was bound, gagged, beaten, and eventually robbed. According to a police report, Askhabov and his brother were arrested with the intent of prosecution with “the act of robbery done with cruelty to the extent that others receive it and endangering the body or mind through torture.”
Connection to the Kazakh Nationals and the Victim
It is unclear what the connection Askhabov and his brother have to the Kazakh nationals. According to the report, the three men entered the Italian’s villa at approximately 11 p.m. local time on Sept. 3. The men, who the victim did not recognize, bound, gagged, and blindfolded him before receiving a call from another person who was allegedly orchestrating the attack. The three attackers reportedly beat the man throughout the night before robbing him of valuables that included more than $40,000 cash, three luxury watches, a Macbook, two iPhones, and a pair of sunglasses. Additionally, the thieves took the man’s debit card, passport, and passwords for accessing his phone, safe, and computers.
The three attackers reportedly flew from Phuket to Dubai on Sept. 4 and have since returned to Kazakhstan. The victim claimed that while he had never seen his assailants, he met the Askhabov brothers a year ago at a cafe and considered them to be acquaintances.
Khusein Askhabov entered his promotional debut with a 23-0 record. However, he fell to Jamall Emmers via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 219 on Feb. 18. It is unclear if Pineda will remain on the UFC Fight Night 229 card against a replacement opponent.