Diego Sanchez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diego Sanchez |
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Diego Sanchez in 2009
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| Born | December 31, 1981 Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Nickname(s) | The Nightmare |
| Residence | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) |
| Division |
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| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Fighting out of | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Team | Jackson Wink MMA Academy (2002–2007, 2010–2019) |
| Rank | Black belt in Gaidojutsu Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roberto Tussa |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 44 |
| Wins | 30 |
| By knockout | 10 |
| By submission | 6 |
| By decision | 13 |
| By disqualification | 1 |
| Losses | 14 |
| By knockout | 4 |
| By decision | 10 |
| Notable school(s) | Del Norte High School |
Diego Sanchez (born December 31, 1981) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He has been competing since 2002. Sanchez is famous for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He won the first season of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter 1. He also fought for the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2009.
Sanchez is known for having exciting matches. He has been in more "Fight of the Year" bouts than any other fighter in mixed martial arts history. His famous fights were against Karo Parisyan, Clay Guida, and Gilbert Melendez.
He is also one of only two fighters to have competed in four different weight classes in the UFC. He fought as a Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, and Featherweight.
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Early Life and Career
Sanchez was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In high school, he was a state champion in wrestling. He started training in mixed martial arts while working for the UPS. He balanced his job with training at the famous Jackson's Submission Fighting gym.
Sanchez had his first professional MMA fight in 2002. He won by making his opponent tap out with a rear-naked choke. He won his first 11 fights before joining a new TV show.
The Ultimate Fighter
In 2005, Sanchez was a contestant on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. The show featured fighters living and training together to earn a UFC contract. Sanchez was known for his focused attitude and unique personality, which included practicing yoga.
He won the show by defeating Kenny Florian in the finale. This made him the Middleweight winner of the first season and earned him a place in the UFC.
UFC Career
After winning The Ultimate Fighter, Sanchez began a long and successful career in the UFC. He fought in many exciting matches and became a fan favorite.
Fighting at Welterweight
Sanchez started his UFC journey in the welterweight division. He won his first few fights, including a victory over Nick Diaz. In 2006, he had a thrilling match against Karo Parisyan that won the "Fight of the Night" award.
After an undefeated start to his career, Sanchez lost his first fight to Josh Koscheck at UFC 69. He then lost a close fight to Jon Fitch. He bounced back with wins over David Bielkheden and Luigi Fioravanti. After these fights, he decided to move to the lightweight division.
Move to Lightweight and Title Shot
Sanchez made his lightweight debut at UFC 95 against Joe Stevenson. He won the fight by unanimous decision, and both fighters earned a Fight of the Night bonus.
His next fight was against Clay Guida. It was an action-packed match that Sanchez won by split decision. The fight was so exciting that it won "Fight of the Year" from many MMA magazines and the UFC. This victory earned him a chance to fight for the UFC Lightweight Championship.
At UFC 107 in 2009, Sanchez challenged B.J. Penn for the title. Penn was a dominant champion, and Sanchez lost the fight by TKO in the fifth round after a large cut was opened on his forehead.
Return to Welterweight and Other Divisions
Sanchez moved back to the welterweight division. He had many more memorable fights, winning "Fight of the Night" honors against Paulo Thiago, Martin Kampmann, and Jake Ellenberger.
Over the years, Sanchez continued to compete at a high level. He even had a brief stint in the featherweight division. He holds the record for being in the most "Fight of the Night" winning bouts in UFC history. Some of his later notable wins were against Mickey Gall and Craig White.
In 2019, his classic fight against Clay Guida was added to the UFC Hall of Fame. Sanchez left the UFC in 2021 after a long and historic career with the company.
Later Career
After leaving the UFC, Sanchez continued to compete. In 2022, he fought for the Eagle Fighting Championship. He also competed in a bare-knuckle boxing match for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2023.
Personal Life
Sanchez married Theresa Tapia in January 2024. He has a daughter from a previous marriage.
Championships and Awards
Mixed martial arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Hall of Fame (Fight wing, Class of 2019) vs. Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale
- The Ultimate Fighter 1 Middleweight Tournament Winner
- Fight of the Night (Seven times) vs. Karo Parisyan, Joe Stevenson, Clay Guida, Paulo Thiago, Martin Kampmann, Jake Ellenberger, Gilbert Melendez
- Tied for seventh most Fight of the Night bonuses in UFC history (7)
- Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Mickey Gall
- Tied for third most wins by decision in UFC history (12)
- First The Ultimate Fighter Tournament Winner in UFC History
- UFC.com Awards
- 2006: Fight of the Year vs. Karo Parisyan
- 2009: Fight of the Year vs. Clay Guida
- 2013: Ranked #4 Fight of the Year vs. Gilbert Melendez
- King of the Cage
- KOTC Welterweight Championship (One time)
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Submission grappling
Amateur wrestling
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Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 44 matches | 30 wins | 14 losses |
| By knockout | 10 | 4 |
| By submission | 6 | 0 |
| By decision | 13 | 10 |
| By disqualification | 1 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 30–14 | Kevin Lee | Decision (unanimous) | Eagle FC 46 | March 11, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Miami, Florida, United States | Super Lightweight (165 lb) debut. |
| 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. Fight of the Year. |
| 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 | |
| Win | 16–0 | Karo Parisyan | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Sanchez vs. Parisyan | August 17, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year. |
| 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 vacant 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 |
See also
In Spanish: Diego Sánchez (peleador) para niños
- List of male mixed martial artists
