Diego Sanchez

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For other people with similar names, see Diego Sánchez.
Diego Sanchez
DiegoSanchez.png
Diego Sanchez in 2009
Born (1981-12-31) December 31, 1981 (age 39)
Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
Nickname(s)The Nightmare / The Dream
ResidenceAlbuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
Division
Reach72 in (183 cm)[1]
StanceSouthpaw
Fighting out ofAlbuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
TeamJackson Wink MMA Academy (2002–2007, 2010–2019)[2]
RankBlack belt in Gaidojutsu[3]
Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roberto Tussa[4][3]
Years active2002–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total43
Wins30
By knockout10
By submission6
By decision13
By disqualification1
Losses13
By knockout4
By decision9
University[5]
Notable school(s)Del Norte High School
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Diego Sanchez (born December 31, 1981) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He competes in the Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2002, Sanchez is most known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he won the Middleweight tournament of The Ultimate Fighter 1. He has also formerly competed for King of the Cage, where he was the Welterweight Champion.

Sanchez has been involved in more "Fight of the Year" bouts than any other fighter in mixed martial arts; his first was against Karo Parisyan at UFC Fight Night 6, and then again against Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale (which culminated into a title shot against then-UFC Lightweight Champion B.J. Penn, where the two headlined UFC 107), and finally against Gilbert Melendez at UFC 166.

Sanchez is one of two fighters to have competed in four different weight classes in the UFC: Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, and Featherweight; the other being Kenny Florian.

Sanchez, who made his promotional debut on April 9, 2005, holds the longest uninterrupted tenure on the active roster in the UFC (April 9, 2005, to April 29th, 2021).

Background[]

Sanchez was born to a Mexican American family on December 31, 1981. He was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he still resides. Albuquerque is also the location of his training camp.[citation needed]

Sanchez was a high school state champion in wrestling as a senior before he started training mixed martial arts while working for UPS. Sanchez eventually joined Jackson's Submission Fighting, still while working for UPS, managing the time between work and training.[citation needed]

Mixed martial arts career[]

Early career[]

Sanchez made his MMA debut in 2002 in the promotion Ring of Fire, despite having injured his heel the night before. Sanchez mostly went for takedowns, while his opponent, who was a more developed striker, bloodied the young Sanchez. However, Sanchez continued to use his wrestling expertise, landed another takedown in the second round, taking his opponent's back, then sinking in a rear-naked choke, causing his opponent to tap. This made Sanchez the winner by submission, who then earned $600 for the bout. He then went on to compile an undefeated 11-0 record before becoming a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter.

The Ultimate Fighter[]

Sanchez was chosen as a participant in the first season of the reality show, The Ultimate Fighter. Presented as a young, focused middleweight who only had one goal, to become a UFC champion. He won a contract with the UFC after defeating fellow finalist Kenny Florian via TKO, becoming the middleweight winner for the first season of the show. On the show, Sanchez was known for being the "odd-ball" of the group, practicing yoga at odd moments and trying to extract "energy" from a lightning storm, and was also a self-proclaimed "Zen master".

Ultimate Fighting Championship[]

Welterweight[]

Sanchez during the weigh-ins before a fight

Sanchez made his post-TUF debut defeating journeyman Brian Gassaway by submission due to strikes at UFC 54.

Sanchez next defeated Nick Diaz via unanimous decision at The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale.

Sanchez won a unanimous decision over John Alessio on May 27, 2006, at UFC 60.

Sanchez continued his undefeated streak with a unanimous decision victory over judo specialist Karo Parisyan at UFC Fight Night 6 on August 17, 2006. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Sanchez faced Joe Riggs on December 13, 2006, in the main event of UFC Fight Night 7. Sanchez landed a right hook that knocked Riggs down, followed by a running knee that knocked Riggs out at 1:45 of the first round. Sanchez subsequently tested positive for the agents found in marijuana and was sentenced to a three-month suspension.

Sanchez was then cleared to fight Josh Koscheck at UFC 69. At the weigh-ins for the event, Sanchez shoved Koscheck while they stared each other down. Sanchez ended up losing a unanimous decision to Koscheck, ending his undefeated run, in a fight that was virtually all stand up. Koscheck managed to keep Sanchez at bay with superior hand speed and footwork until the bout timed out, to take the win 30–27 on all three judges' cards. Several weeks after the fight, Dana White announced that Sanchez was sick on the eve of the fight and almost had to retire when a test came back indicating he had Hepatitis C.[6] Doctors eventually concluded the test results were not correct, but could not diagnose his sickness, so the fight went ahead as planned. The day after the fight Sanchez had a hole in his thigh the "size of a coffee cup" and was diagnosed with a staph infection.[7]

In his next bout, Sanchez lost his second straight fight by split decision to Jon Fitch at UFC 76 on September 22, 2007, before rebounding against David Bielkheden at UFC 82 with a submission win in the first round due to strikes. Following the win, Sanchez stopped Luigi Fioravanti via TKO due to strikes at 4:07 of the third round at The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale. After pulling out of a fight with Thiago Alves due to an injury, Sanchez announced he would be moving to the lightweight division.[8]

Lightweight division and UFC Lightweight title shot[]

He made his lightweight debut in his next fight on February 21, 2009, at UFC 95 against Joe Stevenson. Training for the bout Sanchez worked with professional boxers Joey Gilbert and Lupe Aquino, Brazilian grappling experts Xande and Saulo Ribeiro and wrestling coach Bob Anderson.[9] Although Stevenson pressed the action throughout the bout, Sanchez landed the better strikes and won by unanimous decision. Diego credits Tony Robbins for giving him mental preparation for this latest fight, and was seen entering the bout chanting "Yes!" repeatedly. This would go on to inspire the "Yes!" chant, popularized by professional wrestler, Daniel Bryan.

On June 20, 2009, Sanchez won a split-decision victory against Clay Guida at the finale of The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale. Sanchez won Fight of the Night honors, his second such award in a row. Opening up with a seemingly endless barrage of jabs and right uppercuts for the first minute he shook Guida, in the first round Sanchez also connected with a head kick that floored his opponent. Sanchez maintained a superior standup through the first round and the rest of the fight, though Guida rallied and made a contest of the next two rounds in a closely contested match. The fight went on to win "Fight of the Year" by several MMA magazines and the UFC.

At UFC 107 on December 12, 2009, Sanchez fought and lost to BJ Penn for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Early in the first round, Penn landed a right hand that dropped Sanchez, followed by flurry of punches that almost prompted referee Herb Dean to stop the fight. Although Sanchez was able to recover enough to stay in the bout, he was outclassed in the following four rounds that saw Penn dominate with superior stand up, whilst all 27 takedown attempts made by Sanchez were negated by Penn's superior defense. Early in the fifth round, Penn landed a head kick that caused a large cut to be opened up on the forehead of Sanchez. Herb Dean called the action to a halt for doctor's advice and the fight ended at 2:37 by TKO, marking the first time Sanchez has been stopped in a fight. This also marked only the second fight in UFC history to end in the fifth round. At the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White was quoted saying Sanchez was "about as busted up as I've ever seen a guy."[10] Sanchez had his bottom lip completely split open, with his left eye swollen shut and a large cut above his left eyebrow.[11]

Return to Welterweight[]

Sanchez at the UFC 100 Fan Expo event in Las Vegas in 2009

Sanchez returned to the welterweight division and faced John Hathaway on May 29, 2010, at UFC 114.[12] In the first round of the fight, Hathaway caught Sanchez with a knee to the head as Sanchez attempted a takedown. Hathaway then dominated with ground and pound while all of Sanchez's takedown attempts were negated by Hathaway's strength. The rest of the fight saw Hathaway utilize his superior striking reach, giving him the unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–26), handing Sanchez his second consecutive loss.

Sanchez rejoined Jackson's Submission Fighting for his next fight with Paulo Thiago on October 23, 2010, at UFC 121.[13] In this fight, Sanchez utilized his wrestling to control and punish Thiago in the second and third rounds. He also picked up Thiago and slammed him to the mat while screaming, Sanchez won the bout via unanimous decision. This win earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Sanchez defeated Martin Kampmann by a unanimous decision on March 3, 2011, at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.[14] In the bout, Kampmann dropped Sanchez in the first round, and continued to get the better in the exchanges but Sanchez continuously pressured Kampmann into the cage to force wild exchanges in the second and third rounds. By the end of the fight, both men were bloodied up especially Sanchez, whose face was a bloody mess. Sanchez won the fight via unanimous decision. This win earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Sanchez was expected to face former two-time UFC Welterweight Champion and UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135.[15] However, Sanchez had to withdraw from the bout due to a broken hand.[16]

A bout between Sanchez and Jake Ellenberger was briefly linked to UFC 141.[17] However, a lingering hand injury kept Sanchez out of action until February 2012.[18]

The Ellenberger/Sanchez bout took place on February 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 1[19] Ellenberger defeated Sanchez via unanimous decision in a bout that earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors.

Return to Lightweight[]

Sanchez then returned to lightweight and faced Takanori Gomi on March 2, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV 8.[20] Sanchez failed to make the 156 lb weight limit at the weigh ins, weighing at 158 lbs. He was fined 20 percent of his earnings and the bout was contested at a catchweight of 158 lb.[21] Sanchez defeated Gomi via controversial split decision. 12 of 12 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Gomi.[22]

Sanchez faced Gilbert Melendez on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166.[23] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. The bout earned Sanchez his seventh Fight of the Night bonus award.[24]

Sanchez faced Myles Jury on March 15, 2014, at UFC 171.[25] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Sanchez faced Ross Pearson on June 7, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 42.[26] Sanchez was outstruck in every round, even getting knocked down in the second, but was awarded the win via controversial split decision. 14 of 14 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Pearson, 13 with scores of 30-27.[27] UFC president Dana White indicated that the organization will informally treat the bout as a win for Pearson and that he would be compensated with a $30,000 win bonus.[28]

Sanchez was expected to face Norman Parke at UFC 180.[29] However, Parke pulled out of the bout in early October citing a knee injury and was replaced by Joe Lauzon.[30] However, on October 23, it was announced that injuries to both Sanchez and Lauzon led to the pairing being scrapped altogether.[31]

In January 2015, Sanchez had surgery to repair his collarbone that was broken in training.[32]

After a lengthy hiatus, Sanchez returned to make his debut in the Featherweight division. He faced Ricardo Lamas on November 21, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale.[33] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[34]

After the one fight stint at featherweight, Sanchez returned to the lightweight division and faced Jim Miller on March 5, 2016, at UFC 196.[35] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[36]

Sanchez faced longtime peer Joe Lauzon on July 9, 2016, at UFC 200.[37] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round, resulting in his first TKO loss. The only previous TKO loss Sanchez had is when B.J. Penn stopped him with a head kick at UFC 107.[38]

Sanchez fought promotional newcomer Marcin Held on November 5, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale.[39] Sanchez won the fight via unanimous decision.[40]

Sanchez next faced Al Iaquinta on April 22, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 108.[41] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[42]

Return to Welterweight[]

Sanchez faced Matt Brown in a welterweight bout on November 11, 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Pettis.[43] He lost the fight via knockout in round one.[44]

Sanchez faced Craig White on September 8, 2018 at UFC 228.[45] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[46]

Six months later, Sanchez faced Mickey Gall on March 2, 2019 at UFC 235.[47] Sanchez won the fight via second round TKO.[48] This marked Sanchez's first stoppage victory since 2008, it also earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[49]

As the final fight of his prevailing contract with the UFC, Sanchez faced Michael Chiesa on July 6, 2019 at UFC 239.[50] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[51][52]

On May 28, 2019, it was announced that the fight between Sanchez and Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale, where Sanchez defeat Guida by split decision, on June 20, 2009, will be honored to enter the UFC Hall of Fame during the international fight July 2019.[53]

Sanchez was suspended for three months by USADA for tested positive for Ostarine and S-23, the family of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), where the prohibited subsistence was found from a tainted supplement. The suspension retroactive from October 26, 2019, and he was eligible to fight again on January 26, 2020.[54]

As the first bout of his new five-fight contract, Sanchez returned to the octagon when he faced Michel Pereira at UFC Fight Night 167 on February 15, 2020 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.[55][56] After being dominated through the bout, he eventually won the fight via disqualification after Pereira landed an illegal knee on the ground in the third round, which rendered Sanchez unable to continue.[57][58]

Sanchez faced Jake Matthews on September 27, 2020 at UFC 253.[59] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[60]

Sanchez was scheduled to face Donald Cerrone on May 8, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 24.[61] However, Sanchez was removed from the fight on April 28 for undisclosed reasons[62] and he was replaced by Alex Morono.[63] Despite not fighting, Sanchez claims the organization paid him his guaranteed purse, win money and sponsorship money.[64]

Sanchez posted a few videos on his Instagram account showing disagreements that his trainer, Joshua Fabia had with the commentary team, where Fabia believed that the organization was attempting to slight Sanchez with its coverage. Among his claims were that the UFC was aiming cameras at him to catch him and Sanchez in bad situations, or otherwise expose Fabia's unorthodox coaching style. Fabia’s infamous training sessions have been widely covered since Sanchez started working with him, including Fabia chasing his fighters around with a knife. After the release of these videos, Diego was released from the UFC.[65][66]

On May 20, 2021, Sanchez announced that he had parted ways with Fabia.[67][68]

Personal life[]

Sanchez was married to Bernadette Sanchez and has a daughter with her.[69]

At the "JacksonWink MMA Fight Night 2" exhibition event on December 1, 2017, Sanchez faced Isaac Marquez, a man who was born with Down syndrome who dreamed of one day competing in a real mixed martial arts bout. Sanchez helped train Marquez who dedicated the fight to his late mother who died from dementia. "Most Down syndrome adults don’t live past 45." Sanchez said ahead of the bout. "Isaac is 32, and I just wanted to see this young man be healthy. Exercise and martial arts are one of the most healthy things you can do." In a friendly spirited match, Marquez defeated Sanchez with a first-round submission armbar win and received a huge ovation when Sanchez tapped out.[citation needed]

Championships and awards[]

Mixed martial arts[]

Mixed martial arts record[]

Professional record breakdown hide
43 matches 30 wins 13 losses
By knockout 10 4
By submission 6 0
By decision 13 9
By disqualification 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 30–13 Jake Matthews Decision (unanimous) UFC 253 September 27, 2020 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Win 30–12 Michel Pereira DQ (illegal knee) UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Błachowicz 2 February 15, 2020 3 3:09 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States
Loss 29–12 Michael Chiesa Decision (unanimous) UFC 239 July 6, 2019 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 29–11 Mickey Gall TKO (punches) UFC 235 March 2, 2019 2 4:13 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 28–11 Craig White Decision (unanimous) UFC 228 September 8, 2018 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Loss 27–11 Matt Brown KO (elbow) UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Pettis November 11, 2017 1 3:44 Norfolk, Virginia, United States Return to Welterweight.
Loss 27–10 Al Iaquinta KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Lobov April 22, 2017 1 1:38 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Win 27–9 Marcin Held Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale: dos Anjos vs. Ferguson November 5, 2016 3 5:00 Mexico City, Mexico
Loss 26–9 Joe Lauzon TKO (punches) UFC 200 July 9, 2016 1 1:26 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 26–8 Jim Miller Decision (unanimous) UFC 196 March 5, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Lightweight.
Loss 25–8 Ricardo Lamas Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale: Magny vs. Gastelum November 21, 2015 3 5:00 Monterrey, Mexico Featherweight debut.
Win 25–7 Ross Pearson Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov June 7, 2014 3 5:00 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Loss 24–7 Myles Jury Decision (unanimous) UFC 171 March 14, 2014 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Loss 24–6 Gilbert Melendez Decision (unanimous) UFC 166 October 19, 2013 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 24–5 Takanori Gomi Decision (split) UFC on Fuel TV: Silva vs. Stann March 3, 2013 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Return to Lightweight; Sanchez missed weight (158 lb).
Loss 23–5 Jake Ellenberger Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fuel TV: Sanchez vs. Ellenberger February 15, 2012 3 5:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 23–4 Martin Kampmann Decision (unanimous) UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann March 3, 2011 3 5:00 Louisville, Kentucky, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 22–4 Paulo Thiago Decision (unanimous) UFC 121 October 23, 2010 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 21–4 John Hathaway Decision (unanimous) UFC 114 May 29, 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Welterweight.
Loss 21–3 B.J. Penn TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 107 December 12, 2009 5 2:37 Memphis, Tennessee, United States For the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 21–2 Clay Guida Decision (split) The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale June 20, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 20–2 Joe Stevenson Decision (unanimous) UFC 95 February 21, 2009 3 5:00 London, England Lightweight debut. Fight of the Night.
Win 19–2 Luigi Fioravanti TKO (knee and punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs Team Forrest Finale June 21, 2008 3 4:07 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 18–2 David Bielkheden TKO (submission to punches) UFC 82 March 1, 2008 1 4:43 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Loss 17–2 Jon Fitch Decision (split) UFC 76 September 22, 2007 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Loss 17–1 Josh Koscheck Decision (unanimous) UFC 69 April 7, 2007 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 17–0 Joe Riggs KO (knee) UFC Fight Night: Sanchez vs. Riggs December 13, 2006 1 1:45 San Diego, California, United States Sanchez tested positive for marijuana.
Win 16–0 Karo Parisyan Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night 6 August 17, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 15–0 John Alessio Decision (unanimous) UFC 60 May 27, 2006 3 5:00 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 14–0 Nick Diaz Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale November 5, 2005 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 13–0 Brian Gassaway TKO (submission to punches) UFC 54 August 20, 2005 2 1:56 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Welterweight.
Win 12–0 Kenny Florian TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale April 9, 2005 1 2:49 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won The Ultimate Fighter 1 Middleweight Tournament.
Win 11–0 Jorge Santiago Decision (unanimous) KOTC 37: Unfinished Business June 12, 2004 3 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States Won the KOTC Welterweight Championship.
Win 10–0 Ray Elbe TKO (submission to punches) KOTC 36: Albuquerque May 15, 2004 1 1:07 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 9–0 Travis Beachler TKO (punches) Pride of Albuquerque April 10, 2004 1 0:35 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 8–0 Cruz Chacon Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC 35: Acoma February 28, 2004 1 0:41 Acoma, New Mexico, United States
Win 7–0 John Cronk Submission (kimura) KOTC 26: Gladiator Challenge August 3, 2003 2 1:30 Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
Win 6–0 Rene Kronvold Submission (armbar) KOTC 24: Mayhem June 14, 2003 1 3:39 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 5–0 Mike Guymon Submission (armbar) KOTC 23: Sin City May 16, 2003 1 4:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 4–0 Jake Short TKO (punches) KOTC 21: Invasion February 21, 2003 1 2:34 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Welterweight debut.
Win 3–0 Shannon Ritch Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC 20: Crossroads December 15, 2002 1 0:59 Bernalillo, New Mexico, United States Middleweight bout.
Win 2–0 Jesus Sanchez KO (punches) Aztec Challenge 1 September 6, 2002 2 2:33 Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Win 1–0 Michael Johnson Submission (rear-naked choke) Ring of Fire 5 June 21, 2002 1 3:45 Denver, Colorado, United States

[74]

See also[]

References[]

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  9. ^ "Nightmares for the Nightmare". sherdog.com. February 17, 2009. Retrieved February 17, 2009.
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  49. ^ Staff (March 3, 2019). "UFC 235 bonuses: Johnny Walker, Diego Sanchez among $50,000 winners". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
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