Ex-UFC Title Challenger Won Over a Million Hearts After He Let Guy With Severe Down-Syndrome Finish Him in 2017

Diego Sanchez is a legend in the sport of mixed martial arts. The Nightmare has been in the UFC since he won the very first season of The Ultimate Fighter. While Sanchez couldn’t win a UFC title, he was often appreciated for the brilliant performances he put up. Along with being a skilled fighter, The Nightmare is credited for being a good human being, which was proved on a special occasion.

In 2017, Diego Sanchez took on Issac Marquez at the Jackson Wink Fight Night 2. Marquez had severe down syndrome. Regardless, the brave man made the walk to face Sanchez in the middle of the cage. While the fight started just like any other fight, the end of this bout won the hearts of the audience.

In the very first round, Sanchez let Marquez take him down and dominate him. While Sanchez threw some punches and kicks, he was very careful while doing the same in order to avoid hurting Marquez.

Diego Sanchez stretched the fight for a while. However, eventually, The Nightmare allowed Marquez to finish the fight via an armbar. While Sanchez might have lost the bout, he definitely won the hearts of many people.

In the twilight of his UFC career, Diego Sanchez struggled with form. Eventually, the fighter was released from the UFC. However, since then, Sanchez did make it a point to compete in the cage.

What is Diego Sanchez up to since being cut by the UFC?

Since being released by the UFC, Diego Sanchez competed in one MMA fight. The Nightmare took on Kevin Lee in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s promotion Eagle FC.

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While the experienced fighter managed to hurt Lee with his kicks, he eventually succumbed to Lee’s superior wrestling. At the end of the fight, Kevin Lee was judged the winner via a unanimous decision.

Since then, Sanchez had been booked to face Dan Hardy in a boxing match. Hardy, who was making his fighting return after 10 years, was scheduled to face The Nightmare on July 2nd at the O2 arena. However, the fight was later postponed. It is now reported that the bout is set to take place on 2nd November 2022.

Diego Sanchez is a fighter loved by all. In his career, The Nightmare displayed immense passion and put up some memorable fights. Regardless of his recent performances, Sanchez will always be considered a legend of the sport.

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What do you think about Diego Sanchez’s noble deed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.