Daniel Pineda (born August 6, 1985) is an American former mixed martial artist who competed in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Born in Dallas and raised in Waller, Texas, Pineda wrestled in high school for three years before he began training in mixed martial arts at 21.
None of his fights with Legacy went to decision with notable wins over fighters such as WEC veteran Frank Gomez.
Pineda faced Mackens Semerzier on March 3, 2012, at UFC on FX 2, replacing an injured Robbie Peralta.
Pineda faced Antonio Carvalho on July 21, 2012, at UFC 149, replacing an injured George Roop.
Pineda returned after a layoff to face Justin Lawrence on April 13, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale.
He won both of the bouts on the same night; however it was ruled no contest after Pineda failed a drug test and was subsequently suspended and fined $12,500 by NAC.
[24] Early in round two, Pineda was accidentally poked in the eye and was deemed unable to continue.
[25] A urine sample Pineda produced on fight night tested positive for amphetamine, a banned substance under the NAC rules.
As a result, Pineda was handed a nine-month suspension in September 2021, retroactive to the positive test.
[35] However on September 11, Askhabov has been arrested after being connected to the kidnap and torture in Thailand and the bout was cancelled.
[39] He lost the fight by unanimous decision and retired from mixed martial arts competition after the bout.