Former UFC Fighter Paul Kelly Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

Former UFC fighter Paul Kelly has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after he was convicted of running a drug ring in England.

Kelly and childhood friend Christopher St. John McGirr were arrested as part of a wide spread surveillance operation. They were accused of supplying drugs to other dealers.

“You were in business with Mr. McGirr supplying heroin to other dealers,” said Judge Mark Brown, according to a report by the Liverpool Echo.

“In my judgment, you decided to supply Class A drugs when your contract with UFC was terminated. You obviously enjoyed the high life and saw selling heroin as an easy way to make money.”

Following a trial, Kelly was sentenced to 13 years in prison, while McGirr received an 11-year sentence.

Kelly fought in the UFC for three years, where he amassed a 5-4 record in the Octagon. He fought three more times after leaving the UFC, winning two and losing one.

At 28 years of age, it’s unlikely that he will ever be able to fight at the highest levels of the sport ever again.