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'Nightmare' on Elm Street: Sanchez leaves Jackson camp for California

diego sanchez
By Jesse Holland

It looks like Greg Jackson's camp has gone from Roman Empire to Last Days of Pompeii in less than a year.

UFCmania.com learned over the weekend that Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez had parted ways with the Albuquerque, New Mexico, training camp and its founder, Greg Jackson.

This morning we were finally able to confirm the departure with Jackson himself:

"Diego is no longer a part of our camp. He left on very good terms. He needs to go to California and reconnect with his family. Right now it's probably the best thing for him. I wish him the very best of luck in the future."

The Jackson camp has been on hard times as of late, with some of its top fighters like Keith Jardine, Nate Marquardt and Rashad Evans unable to secure wins in recent Octagon appearances.

Now one of its most successful (and controversial) fighters will join the garibaldi and the dogface butterfly as the latest oddity to call California its home.

While it's easy to jump to conclusions, as of now his significant other Ali Sonoma still resides in Missouri to the best of our knowledge.

It may just be a case of Sanchez trying to refocus and get his priorities in order. No one can take away any of his accomplishments inside the Octagon, but his recent loss to Josh Koscheck (the first of his career) may have been a wake-up call.

I think it's safe to say that he now realizes winning the welterweight championship is not preordained. If it is indeed to be his destiny, then his first step is to do what no one else has done in the UFC: defeat Jon Fitch.

Whether or not the move to California helps him do that is something we may not know until UFC 76.

Then again against a fighter as good as Fitch, it may not even matter.

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We have enough Sanchez’s here in California. Go away.

by Mike on Aug 7, 2007 1:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m looking forward to a showdown of the WW TopDogs.. Diego vs Fitch..a real bruiser of a fight..the winner may than get a shot at the title..who knows.

by PhilQNY on Aug 7, 2007 1:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

just another excuse that he didn’t have his s$%t together when he got handled against Fitch…Let’s put up some Fitch updates…not the dirty sanchez.

by whatthe f on Aug 7, 2007 1:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

just another excuse that he didn’t have his s$%t together when he got handled against Fitch…Let’s put up some Fitch updates…not the dirty sanchez.

Rofl, what kinda Fitch updates are there? ‘I took a shit this morning after only having Shakes and water yesterday… it wasnt pretty.’
If there is anything to update on Jon Fitch, Im sure we would see it.

by Luppers on Aug 7, 2007 1:25 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Its cause of Diego’s Jezebel woman

by Lucas on Aug 7, 2007 1:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

So I am confused is this his new camps name garibaldi and the dogface butterfly?

by The Legend on Aug 7, 2007 1:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

so who is he going to be traing with?

by matt on Aug 7, 2007 1:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I hope he isn’t going over there to train with Oscar weiner De la Boyo again.
Oscar ring tactics.
How to stall fights. How to run and hide in the last round.
How crying like a baby after a fight can get you sympathy from your fans.

by George R on Aug 7, 2007 2:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Jon Fitch is good, but I woundnt say he is gonna kill Diego. If Diego brings his A game Fitch is gonna get a face full.

by Billy Gamble on Aug 7, 2007 2:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

just another excuse that he didn’t have his s$%t together when he got handled against Fitch…Let’s put up some Fitch updates…not the dirty sanchez.

I agree that this will turn into an excuse if (when) Fitch beats Diego. All the Diego fans found retribution when they found out about his staph infection, even though, there was no obvious effects during the fight; when he fought Kos. They will say he was thinking about marriage and a new camp when he loses to Fitch….Whatever!

by TonyDrip on Aug 7, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Diego has always seemed a bit cocky to me, but not the good kind of cocky – the kind of cocky that pisses me off. (Woah, I don’t think I used piss and cocky in the same sentence since I was in third grade!) I am really looking forward to seeing John Fitch beat Diego down. Yeah, KOS defeated Diego, but both fighters came out of that fight looking like they just climbed out of the shower together. I want to see Fitch do some damage to Diego. With all this ‘off the matt’ stuff going on with Diego, I really can’t see him focused 100% on his upcoming fight. Good.

After losing to KOS and then getting carried out on a stretcher after losing to Fitch, ‘The Nightmare’ will be forced to change his nickname to Diego ‘The Wet Dream’ Sanchez, because all the top WW fighters will be creaming their pants to fight him and get an easy win on their record against a well known fighter.

by ViolentMike on Aug 7, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think it’s a bad move for him at the moment coming off an ugly fight. I can’t say either diego or kos really fought to win. They both fought not to lose. KOS is the biggest Yellow haired P—-y in the UFC. But diego had shown the heart of a lion until that fight. Staph infection they say .. I hope he wasn’t contaminated by Oscar. We’ll see in his next fight.

by George R on Aug 7, 2007 3:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Diego has always seemed a bit cocky to me, but not the good kind of cocky – the kind of cocky that pisses me off. (Woah, I don’t think I used piss and cocky in the same sentence since I was in third grade!) I am really looking forward to seeing John Fitch beat Diego down. Yeah, KOS defeated Diego, but both fighters came out of that fight looking like they just climbed out of the shower together. I want to see Fitch do some damage to Diego. With all this ‘off the matt’ stuff going on with Diego, I really can’t see him focused 100% on his upcoming fight. Good.

After losing to KOS and then getting carried out on a stretcher after losing to Fitch, ‘The Nightmare’ will be forced to change his nickname to Diego ‘The Wet Dream’ Sanchez, because all the top WW fighters will be creaming their pants to fight him and get an easy win on their record against a well known fighter.

Absolutely Hilarious!…..

by MasterMinDz on Aug 7, 2007 3:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Enough with the protesting against Diego. Much of it probably comes from the fact that he is a UFC fighter and you are not. Some of it may come from the fact that he has his buried between Ali Sonoma’s legs and you dont. Lets be real hes a pretty solid fighter who only a few months ago was undefeated.

While he no doubt has a huge mountain to climb in Jon Fitch, when has he ever showed you a horrific performance in the octagon ? This fight will determine the clear # 2 contender … the # 1 contender fight as we know is GSP vs. Koscheck.

Lets just enjoy what these next two fights do for the WW division … no ?

by Kevin Kelly on Aug 7, 2007 3:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Enough with the protesting against Diego. Much of it probably comes from the fact that he is a UFC fighter and you are not.

And you are…?

by Luppers on Aug 7, 2007 3:51 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We have enough Sanchez’s here in California. Go away.

 hilarious

by Stafo on Aug 7, 2007 3:54 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Well maybe he’s learned all he can from Greg Jacksons camp at least he left on good terms. I hope he has his head screwed on straight come fight time. Its gonna be a great fight as long as their both healthy. could fall either way.

I agree that this will turn into an excuse if (when) Fitch beats Diego. All the Diego fans found retribution when they found out about his staph infection, even though, there was no obvious effects during the fight; when he fought Kos. They will say he was thinking about marriage and a new camp when he loses to Fitch….Whatever!

he hasnt lost the fight yet. But i know its typical for people that dont like certain fighters to make assumptions before the fight even happens. I like diego he’s one of my Fav fighters if he goes in and loses healthy big deal im not gonna make excuses. He lost to Kos i didnt find “retribution” or maybe the word you meant to say was redemption. It fits your POV a little better i think. Diego had problems last fight wether it was a factor in the fight we cant say only diego knows and he says it was. But of course your gonna say well he’s just saying that cuz he lost. Kos should have beat the living hell outta Diego as bad as he was performing. But yet all he could do was pull out the decision. Kos is a great fighter with unlimited potential. But ya act like Diego fans always make excuses for him. We havent had to he’s only lost 1 fight. If Fitch wins thats cool i dont make excuses or arguments for any fighter unless its legate.

by Thor1982 on Aug 7, 2007 3:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

he hasnt lost the fight yet. But i know its typical for people that dont like certain fighters to make assumptions before the fight even happens. I like diego he’s one of my Fav fighters if he goes in and loses healthy big deal im not gonna make excuses. He lost to Kos i didnt find “retribution” or maybe the word you meant to say was redemption. It fits your POV a little better i think. Diego had problems last fight wether it was a factor in the fight we cant say only diego knows and he says it was. But of course your gonna say well he’s just saying that cuz he lost. Kos should have beat the living hell outta Diego as bad as he was performing. But yet all he could do was pull out the decision. Kos is a great fighter with unlimited potential. But ya act like Diego fans always make excuses for him. We havent had to he’s only lost 1 fight. If Fitch wins thats cool i dont make excuses or arguments for any fighter unless its legate.

Good, you’re the one. I’m not a Diego hater and I’m indifferent when it comes to Kos. I’m just tired of hearing about the staph infection. No one noticed any slowness, limping, or anything else durin the Kos fight, but as soon as he lost and the public found out, it was all of the sudden “the reason why he lost.” Diego’s one of the top guys and he’s shown that by beating Karo, Diaz, Riggs and others. If he thought he was healthy enough to fight, he was. If he lost an ugly sparring match, he did. If he loses to Fitch, it’s because he lost to a better fighter. If not, then he beat a great fighter. I just want people to call it as it happens…..don’t find excuses or reasoning to fit preconceived opinions.

by TonyDrip on Aug 7, 2007 4:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Kevin Kelly…can we please get some more excercise and fitness tips from you again….that was awesome. I already have wash board abs and am squatting 750..thanks bro!

by whatthe f on Aug 7, 2007 5:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I dont like Diego at all and Karo is my favorite fighter, but lets not forget that Diego beat Karo. I guess that doesnt count for anything.

by Tons on Aug 7, 2007 5:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m looking forward to a showdown of the WW TopDogs.. Diego vs Fitch..a real bruiser of a fight..the winner may than get a shot at the title..who knows.

I know… There is no chance the winner gets a title shot. Remember who Diego just lost to? KOS. Who is fighting GSP for the #1 contender. The winner of that will get a title shot. Then the winner of Deigo and Fitch will most likely fight Karo or the loser of GSP and KOS, then that person will get a title shot.

by titojr. on Aug 7, 2007 5:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Kevin Kelly…can we please get some more excercise and fitness tips from you again….that was awesome. I already have wash board abs and am squatting 750..thanks bro!

L-O-L-!

by Luppers on Aug 7, 2007 5:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Diego just misses that cali bud.

by DirtyML on Aug 7, 2007 7:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We have enough Sanchez’s here in California. Go away.

hahahahahaha

by The Anomaly on Aug 8, 2007 12:52 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Enough with the protesting against Diego. Much of it probably comes from the fact that he is a UFC fighter and you are not.

Great logic there Kevin Kelly, that’s why I hate EVERY UFC fighter.
Anyway, on the real, in this protest against Diego, I would just like to say I really really hope Jon Fitch can beat him.

by The Anomaly on Aug 8, 2007 12:58 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Am i the only one that cant stand this guy. I hate everything about him

by jjdnb on Aug 8, 2007 1:11 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Isn’t it great that being a champion fighter or a successful one is never up to the publics’ vote or a popularity contest (- like big brother and American idol).

I have a feeling and hope that Diego is going to keep hurting feelings ( of haters) for a very long time.

Like it or not but this is why we love sportsmen and hate politicians becuase for a person to be a successful sportsman all he requires to succeed is himself ( no dirty business or spin)

by Big_Watcher on Aug 8, 2007 3:17 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks Lupper just continue to say your prayers, drink your milk, take your vitamins, and continue to be a hulkamaniac and you’ll be just fine.

by Kevin Kelly on Aug 8, 2007 7:12 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks Lupper just continue to say your prayers, drink your milk, take your vitamins, and continue to be a hulkamaniac and you’ll be just fine.

My goal is to have a cool little ‘quotes’ name (that Im sure no one calls you) and act like a physically developed FIGHTER on teh INTERWEB RARRARRR!!

by Luppers on Aug 8, 2007 8:23 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

All I can say is I can’t wait to see John Fitch fight against the top talent in the WW division.

Now all he has to do is beat Diego, and then he will be given that opportunity.

by ViolentMike on Aug 8, 2007 9:28 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

for a person to be a successful sportsman all he requires to succeed is himself ( no dirty business or spin)

No dirty business or spin? Have you been watching sports lately? Refs with mob ties, steroids running rampant, and criminal activity off the field just to name a few.

by Jesse Holland on Aug 8, 2007 11:42 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Keep it coming Lupper.

by Kevin Kelly on Aug 8, 2007 2:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i really could care less how a fighter acts outside or inside of the cage/ring as long as he goes all out in the fight. i dont like tito but i look foward to every shitty fight he has. as far as diego goes, he fights like a monster. people act like the kos fight wasnt due to him having staph??? your kidding right? everyone at my house was expecting that to be the fight of the night but you could tell right away that diego wasnt fighting anywhere near the level he always fights at. he didnt even move much. how bout how much of a pussy kos was in that fight? he acted like he just beat diegos ass when he didnt do shit either.

you make it seem like you dont want to see diego fight? diaz and karo were some of the most action packed fights of the year. the guy acts like a dick but he can fight. cant see fitch coming close in this fight. fitch will be on his back for 3 rounds. fitch better come to this fight in shape unlike his last fight where he looked like shit. this wouldve been a better fight last year but now i just cant see fitch able to go at the pace diego will be going at. diego via UD

by Fixed92 on Aug 9, 2007 8:31 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Fixed92, I’m just curious, did you ever see the Fitch/Burkman fight? Fitch can bring it, and he will.

by ViolentMike on Aug 9, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Good, you’re the one. I’m not a Diego hater and I’m indifferent when it comes to Kos. I’m just tired of hearing about the staph infection. No one noticed any slowness, limping, or anything else durin the Kos fight, but as soon as he lost and the public found out, it was all of the sudden “the reason why he lost.” Diego’s one of the top guys and he’s shown that by beating Karo, Diaz, Riggs and others. If he thought he was healthy enough to fight, he was. If he lost an ugly sparring match, he did. If he loses to Fitch, it’s because he lost to a better fighter. If not, then he beat a great fighter. I just want people to call it as it happens…..don’t find excuses or reasoning to fit preconceived opinions.


i hope you do the same if diego wins. if diego loses i’ll be the first to say you were right.

by bw on Aug 9, 2007 1:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

All I can say is I can’t wait to see John Fitch fight against the top talent in the WW division.

Now all he has to do is beat Diego, and then he will be given that opportunity.

Diego is top talent in the division. Top 5. This IS his oppertunity. He got what he was asking for. This is his big break, if he beats Diego, things are gonna get a LOT better for him. Financially, and spotlight wise. Kind of a do or die. And I HOPE he beats DIego SOO bad.

by The Anomaly on Aug 9, 2007 7:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

But like it or hate it, Diego is good, and an EXCEPTIONAL grappler, which is Fitch’s strengh from what Ive seen, not to say he can’t strike, but this will without a doubt be his toughest fight yet.

by The Anomaly on Aug 9, 2007 7:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Diego always brings it when he fights, everyone knows that whether you like him or not. It was obvious when he fought Kos it wasn’t the same Diego. Dana is the one that broke the news as to why that was, I cannot remember hearing that Diego was the one going round telling everyone that this is the reason he lost. It’s not surprising he lost with all that going on, and it makes Koscheks victory look pretty pathetic if all he could get was a descision. I have never thought of Diego as being cocky, confident yes not cocky, in a lot of interviews he is quite humble. Without doubt he can be a bit weird at times, but if you are looking for cocky, Koschek is the king. Weirdeness aside I cannot see where the hate comes from for Diego. Is it his ring entrance music, maybe he does need to make a few improvements in that area, but in the octogan, as with Leban, you do not get any boring fights.

by ade on Aug 10, 2007 7:40 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i’ve always been skeptical about the jackson camp anyway, yeah he has good fighters there, but jackson never really comes up with a good gameplan for his guys and they always seem to fight the wrong way and either lose or win ugly, i was really pissed off at jackson after the diego/kos fight when diego continuously just stood there and didn’t go for any takedowns, i have to as a diego fan put some of that blame on jackson for not doing a better job in his corner telling him to take the fight to the mat…i think this is a good move for diego and i hope this lights a fire under his ass and he goes on and beats fitch at 76 and gets back on track to go after that ww title

by tha spida on Aug 16, 2007 2:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m really looking forward to this match.

I think Diego looked hesitant against Kos because of his wrestling ability and took that into consideration when formulating his game plan.

Fitch is a better wrestler (at least more decorated) than Diego who did well in high school. Fitch defended against submissions against Carneiro, who has better submissions, and is stronger, than Diego. Fitch’s only pro losses were at heavy weight. Fitch finishes fights more often.

I can’t see Diego dominating except maybe in the cardio department in the third round after a really high pace like in his match against Karo. However, Fitch is very intelligent and will expect that and come prepared for that.

I admit, I don’t like Diego too much (all the weird stuff, claiming to be the best, shoving Kos almost off the stage at a weigh in [just childish], etc.) but he brings it and has some very impressive wins.

It may be a biased opinion because Fitch seems opposite of Diego (intelligent, humble, etc.) but I’m picking Fitch based on better wrestling, good submission defense, better hands, and strength. Plus Diego is probably in a vulnerable place in his career in changing camps, coming off a loss, and a recent engagement (congrats to him, btw).

Fitch by unanimous decision.

by Rob on Aug 20, 2007 5:51 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I like fitch too, and I hate Diego. But why arent any of you talking about the fact that Jon Fitch is undefeated in the octagon because he hasnt fough anybody? He would not beat Karo as diego did and he would not last a round with Kos. He will not beat Diego no matter what Diego’s frame of mind is.

by Royster on Sep 5, 2007 8:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Diego is gonna choke the life out of Fitch. 1st round sub!!!!!!

by Chris on Sep 17, 2007 10:45 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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