Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez: Fighting his way toward a shot at the title

Diego Sanchez is the winner of the first season of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter. Diego had an undefeated mixed martial arts record up until 04 of 2007. He lost 2 fights in a row. His last fight was at UFC 82 in March of 2008 where he defeated David Bielkheden by ground and pound submission. His mixed martial arts professional record is 18 wins and 2 loses.

In past interviews that I have read on Diego I saw he had said he wanted to retire undefeated. When I brought this up to him he said. "The loses were a blessing in disguise .They made me train harder. I feel like I didn't lose any of my pride. I lost close fights and fights like that happen all the time." I asked Diego if it were true he had a staph infection before his lose to Koscheck, which was first diagnosed as hepatitis and would have instantly ended his UFC career, to which he replied "Yeah there was some sort of medical malfunction. It was pretty scary to tell you the truth. It was probably the scariest thing that has ever happened to me."

Diego hopes to get a chance to avenge his two loses with rematches. What he wants most is a shot at the title. He told me, "I am really focusing on being ready for a title shot." Diego fights at 170 pounds in the welterweight division where the title is currently held by George St Pierre. Diego left trainer Greg Jackson's camp when Greg brought George on board last year. Diego didn't want to train that closely with a man who's title he plans to take. Despite the rumors there is no love loss from Diego for Greg. He told me he has, "Nothing but love and respect for Greg. I wouldn't have gotten where I am today if it weren't for him. I am living my dream of living by the ocean." He is now training out of North Country Fight Club in California.

We will get to see plenty more of the "Nightmare" on June 21 live from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. There Diego will take on Luigi Fiorvanti during the season finale of The Ultimate Fighter 7. Diego recently signed a 2 year contract with the UFC and he told me "I believe I will be with the UFC for the entirety of my career." That is great news for us fans but I can't say the same for UFC welterweights. Look out for the Nightmare!

Photo courtesy of Diego's management (North Country Fight Club) with permission

 

by Penny Buffington of mma-underground.com