Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Diego Sanchez says he fought with a torn labrum at UFC 253.
UFC veteran Diego Sanchez has released a statement following his lopsided unanimous decision loss to Jake Matthews at UFC 253, claiming that he fought with a torn labrum (shoulder injury) and will be undergoing stem cell treatment in Utah.
“Warriors don’t always win they do however always survive! I took a fight on the other side of the world on a months notice, fought my fourth primed 26 year old out of the last five opponents. With a torn labrum in my left hip! I positively pressed the fight with a streaking 5-1 welterweight prospect. Had a face to face with @danawhite with not one negative word only respect and love. I might have some haters but that’s only a accurate identification of successfulness. Made it my 36 trip to the octagon. Today I will get treatment on my torn labrum @utahstemcells @jon_anik was incorrect during fight commentary as he credited stem cell for helping me in between fights. This is my first partnership with a stem cell facility and am very excited to see how this treatment can help extend my longevity. #thestoriesofstoriescontinues,” Sanchez posted on Instagram.
Despite receiving nothing but love and respect from UFC president Dana White, Sanchez may soon have to hang up the gloves and call it a career. White hinted at the UFC 253 post-fight press conference that Sanchez’ days in the UFC are limited and that he is due a tough conversation with the The Ultimate Fighter 1 winner.
Sanchez is 3-2 in his last five fights and 19-13 in the UFC overall. The 43-fight MMA veteran has never won a UFC title but was recently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame for his Fight of the Year epic with Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale. The 2009 bout is widely considered one of the most memorable and wildly entertaining fights in UFC history, with Sanchez earning a split decision win after three hard-fought rounds in the TUF 9 Finale main event.