Diego Sanchez makes a fans’ dream come true in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
When Isaac ‘The Shermanator’ Marquez walked into Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the 32-year-old UFC megafan formed a special bond with veteran fighter Diego Sanchez.
Marquez, who has down syndrome, visited Jackson Wink MMA to watch the pros but soon found himself training alongside the pros with none other than Sanchez.
Sanchez, who was the middleweight tournament winner of the first Ultimate Fighter series in 2005, offered The Shermanator a title fight at the Isleta Casino and Resort in Albuquerque.
“Most down syndrome adults don’t live past 45,” Sanchez told KRQE before 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.”
It was a dream come true for Maqrquez who, despite having down syndrome, submitted ‘Lionheart’ with an armbar in the first round.
Check out the video below:
Posted by Derrick Montoya on Friday, December 1, 2017
While 2017 has had its share of fantastic fights, Sanchez vs. Marquez is undoubtedly the feel good fight of the year.