Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Diego Sanchez no longer identifies as a UFC fighter and shall henceforth be known as Diego Sanchez the human being, which is kind of like that time Clark Kent no longer identified as Superman and as a result, got his ass kicked by some sleazeball trucker at a roadside diner.
Similarly, “The Nightmare” got whooped pretty soundly by welterweight wrecking ball, Michel Pereira, in a disqualification win at UFC Rio Rancho earlier this month on ESPN+. It was the second straight time the former lightweight was outclassed from bell-to-bell, having previously gone down on points to Michael Chiesa at UFC 239.
That doesn’t seem to bother Sanchez, 38, who insists the time spent under “Coach of the Year,” Joshua Fabia, has revitalized him and put him in a position where he can now compete with purpose and understanding, while also providing for the ones he loves.
“I don’t look like I’m going anywhere,” Sanchez told MMA Junkie. “I’m speaking healthy, and this is more than a fighting career because Diego Sanchez – the UFC fighter, the identity – that’s been done and dead. I am Diego Sanchez, the human being now. I’m doing everything in the best of my ability, in the best way that I can for my future. And that includes standing up to the bullies who were taking advantage of me and not treating me correctly.”
Sanchez (30-12) has faced heavy criticism for hitching his wagon to Fabia, a self-proclaimed expert at … well, just about everything. Unfortunately, there has been nothing in “The Nightmare’s” last two fights that would suggest Sanchez is benefitting from his new way of life.
Which involves nose oil, burnt incense, and super-secret death chokes.
“I have always been different than everybody else and maybe that’s why I’ve lasted so long,” Sanchez said. “I continue to thrive in a special, unique, unorthodox approach that has led me to Joshua. And what he’s done for me, how this side of mixed martial arts is amazing and you really should look into it and become aware of that.”
Sanchez is expected to return to the cage later this summer.