Former UFC Fighter Casey Kenney Sentenced to Six Months in Jail for Domestic Violence

Casey Kenney, a former bantamweight competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has commenced a six-month jail sentence following his plea of guilty to an aggravated assault charge related to a domestic violence incident. The 34-year-old mixed martial artist began his incarceration on October 30, having reached a plea agreement with prosecutors that addressed a series of charges stemming from his arrest in August 2024.

Court records obtained by MMA Fighting indicate that Kenney entered a plea deal for an aggravated assault charge, classified as a class six felony with a domestic violence enhancement. This resolution came after he was initially confronted with a multitude of more severe charges, including kidnapping, disorderly conduct, and several additional assault allegations. The plea agreement outlines a structured set of penalties and conditions aimed at rehabilitation and victim protection.

Under the terms of the plea deal, Kenney’s sentence includes 180 days in county jail. His term began on October 30, 2024, and he is projected for release on May 1, 2026. This period of incarceration is coupled with a requirement to serve three years on probation following his release. Furthermore, Kenney is mandated to complete both a substance abuse program and a domestic violence offender treatment program. A critical condition of his sentencing is also a strict stay-away order from the victim in the case. Additionally, he is responsible for paying all associated court fines and fees.

The legal proceedings also encompassed a separate case against Kenney for possession of drug paraphernalia. In this matter, he also entered a plea, resulting in a two-year period of supervised probation, which also began on October 30. For this separate offense, Kenney is required to complete 100 hours of community service in addition to participating in the aforementioned substance abuse treatment program.

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Background of the Incident and Initial Charges

Kenney’s legal troubles began with his arrest in August 2024, following a police investigation into an incident involving his ex-girlfriend. The initial charges filed against him were severe, highlighting the gravity of the allegations. A probable cause statement, detailing the accusations that led to his arrest, provided insight into the nature of the alleged events.

According to the probable cause statement, the incident transpired between approximately 11:00 p.m. on July 21, 2024, and 12:14 a.m. on July 22, 2024, at a single-family residence. The statement alleged that during this timeframe, Casey Kenney committed acts of kidnapping, aggravated assault by strangulation, and assault against the victim. These acts reportedly involved repeatedly striking, slapping, biting, headbutting, and choking the victim for several hours. The physical manifestations of these alleged actions included abrasions to the victim’s lip, discoloration to her arms, and petechiae to her neck, indicative of strangulation.

The probable cause statement further detailed that throughout an approximate 13-hour period at Kenney’s residence, the victim was allegedly prevented from escaping. It was stated that Kenney routinely grabbed hold of the victim, restraining her during her attempts to leave, while simultaneously threatening to inflict further physical harm. Specific threats cited in the statement included Kenney advising the victim that if anyone showed up, he would shoot them, and specifically, if her mother appeared, he would shoot her in the head. The victim explicitly stated her desire for prosecution in the matter at that time.

Casey Kenney’s UFC Career and Departure

Casey Kenney embarked on his professional mixed martial arts career in 2014, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the bantamweight and flyweight divisions. He gained significant recognition after his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2018, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Cee Jay Hamilton, earning him a contract with the UFC.

During his tenure with the UFC, Kenney compiled a professional record of 16 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. He was known for his high-volume striking, aggressive grappling, and durable fighting style. His UFC debut came in March 2019, where he defeated Ray Borg by unanimous decision. Over the next two years, he faced a series of established opponents, demonstrating his capabilities within the highly competitive promotion.

Notable bouts in his UFC career included victories over Manny Bermudez, Louis Smolka, and Nathaniel Wood, showcasing his ability to compete at an elite level. He frequently earned post-fight bonuses for his performances, indicating his exciting fight style. However, he also experienced setbacks, including losses to Merab Dvalishvili and Dominick Cruz, both highly ranked contenders in the bantamweight division.

Kenney’s final fight under the UFC banner took place on August 7, 2021, at UFC 265: Lewis vs. Gane. He faced rising star Song Yadong in a bantamweight contest, ultimately suffering a split decision loss. This defeat marked his third consecutive loss in the organization, a challenging period that typically prompts reevaluation for fighters in the UFC. Following this bout, Kenney was subsequently released from the UFC roster, concluding his chapter with the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion. Since his departure from the UFC, Kenney has not competed professionally in mixed martial arts.

The sentencing and subsequent incarceration mark a significant and somber turn in the life of the former UFC fighter, underscoring the serious legal ramifications associated with domestic violence offenses, irrespective of an individual’s professional background. The conditions of his plea agreement emphasize accountability, rehabilitation, and the protection of victims within the legal system.