When all is said and done, the name Diego Sanchez will live on in MMA history.
Sanchez, one of the toughest fighters the sport has ever seen, confirmed that he will compete one final time later this year. For “The Nightmare” who turned into “The Dream,” it is a career that spanned numerous high-profile bouts.
“It’s my last fight my heart path has changed, it’s time to heal not hurt!” Sanchez posted on social media. “One more Nightmare to give! It is honestly in (Dana White’s) hands who I fight, I have no choice in it nor do the match makers.”
It’s my last fight my heart path has changed, it’s time to heal not hurt! One more Nightmare to give! It is honestly in @danawhite hands who I fight, I have no choice in it nor do the match makers #endofanera
— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) January 10, 2021
Sanchez was the winner on Season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter all the way back in 2005. He currently sits at 30-13 overall including 19 wins under the UFC banner.
Back in 2005 at the TUF final, Sanchez bested Kenny Florian. Four years later, he challenged for the UFC belt, coming up short.
Through the years, Sanchez has been involved in battles with the likes of Nick Diaz, Martin Kampmann, Jim Miller and countless others.
However, they have taken a toll.
In his 32 UFC fights, Sanchez has been hit over 1,400 times. He has competed in four different weight classes an was inducted into the UFC’s Hall of Fame for his 2009 fight with Clay Guida.