British MMA fighter accused of organized crime offenses believed to be hiding in Dubai | UFC Betting Sites

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Paul Cahoon is suspected of being involved with a Liverpool based criminal gang.

According to the Liverpool Echo Paul Cahoon, a pioneer of British MMA, is believed to be living in Dubai in order avoid being arrested for his alleged involvement in an organized crime group.

That outlet reported that the 43-year-old Liverpudlian was first identified as a person of interest by Merseyside police in 2015, during an operation that revealed the existence of a criminal group that was distributing 200 kg of amphetamines, worth up to $265,000, in a territory ranging from Liverpool to South Wales.

Police managed to arrest most of their suspects during raids in 2016, but it is believed that Cahoon—who the Echo claims lead the group—fled the country to evade capture. Seven members of the group who were arrested were later jailed for a combined 50 years.

Cahoon has a pro MMA record of 13-12. ‘Boom Boom’ first fought in 1998, making him one of the UK’s earliest mixed martial arts practitioners. Cahoon was also an early promoter of MMA, organizing some of the UK’s first ever events.

In 2001 Cahoon fought future UFC fighter Amar Suloev, the inventor of the Suloev stretch who was later arrested and charged with being part of an assassination squad that targeted high-ranking Russian officials. Suloev died of stomach cancer in 2016.

Other notable opponents on Cahoon’s record include Bellator’s Melvin Manhoef (who he fought twice), UFC veterans Ian Freeman and Elvis Sinosic, PRIDE vets Hiromitsu Kanehara and Kazuhiro Nakamura, and M1 heavyweight grand prix champion Ibragim Magomedov.

Police have warned the public about approaching Cahoon, labelling him as “potentially violent and dangerous”.

Police are appealing for the public on tips on Cahoon’s whereabouts and are asking anyone who recognizes Cahoon to call 999 or the North West Regional Organized Crime Unit at 0151 7777680. Anonymous tips can be given to @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.