UFC Quick Quote: Diego Sanchez gets strong for David Bielkheden UFC 82 fight

"... I had to make a decision and my decision was either to go down to 155 and be an enormous 155-pounder or stay at 170 and get stronger, hit the weights ... I had to go back to the basics, start powerlifting again. I started doing some kettlebell training ... it was obvious I needed to get stronger. [Jon] Fitch was able to hold me down and outposition me with his strength and leverage and that's something that will never happen again. Because I'm much stronger and I'm ready for this.... It's going to be a very, very game Diego Sanchez on March 1."
-- Diego Sanchez talks about his decision to remain a welterweight and what he's doing to remain competitive there in a recent Canadian Press article prior to his fight with Octagon newcomer David Bielkheden at UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion' this Saturday (March 1) at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio .
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Deigo’s career will be in trouble if he does somehow manages to lose to David Bielkheden. That would be 3 losses in a row, now that would be a Nightmare.
He last fought Fitch just 5 months ago. I wonder how much he could have bulked up and how much stronger he could have gotten in that period of time? It will be interesting to see him at the weigh ins on Friday.
by ViolentMike on Feb 26, 2008 12:06 PM EST reply actions
i think he will win against bielkden, and then i would like to see him against swick or a rematch w/koscheck
by b.w. on Feb 26, 2008 12:10 PM EST reply actions
As long as he hasn’t taken a leaf out of Sean Sherks bulking up book. Desperate times and all that.
by Nick J on Feb 26, 2008 12:25 PM EST reply actions
I think he needs to work on his height, lol.
by Griffinfan05 on Feb 26, 2008 12:25 PM EST reply actions
Beilheden is going to surprise many people. Everyone talks about how Diego’s ju jitsu is going to overwhelm Beilkheden but he has been in rio de Janero training with Noguira, Anderson Silva and the rest of that awesome camp, so he will be ready to go as well.
Should be a very entertaining fight.
by john on Feb 26, 2008 12:34 PM EST reply actions
It sucks that UFC has some good fighters in the undercard. I think Dana White is trying to screw them all since there contracts are up. If Kos and Diego lose they will get crappy contract offers. You never know this could be one of thier last fights in the UFC.
by Mruiz on Feb 26, 2008 12:41 PM EST reply actions
I think, eventually, the fighters are going to get too big for just one promotion. There has to be some cross promotional stuff in the works. Probably in the next few years or so.
by Mahde on Feb 26, 2008 12:44 PM EST reply actions
I seriously hope to see Bielkheden win over Sanchez. Bielkheden is no slob. He has PRIDE experience and like previously noted, he belongs to the Brazilian Top Team camp. He is also a BJJ black belt.
by Tim on Feb 26, 2008 12:45 PM EST reply actions
I think, eventually, the fighters are going to get too big for just one promotion. There has to be some cross promotional stuff in the works. Probably in the next few years or so.
wrong, having all the best in one place provides many good fights and eliminates question of who is the best. Look what happened to Fedor, nobody big has fought him, and he’s not number one anymore. MMA’s Elite should stick to one organization, and that’s the UFC.
by ufcmn89 on Feb 26, 2008 12:51 PM EST reply actions
does diego train at aka now? anybody? i thought him and koscheck hated each other
by alexguy on Feb 26, 2008 12:54 PM EST reply actions
i think he will win against bielkden, and then i would like to see him against swick or a rematch w/koscheck
lol, if they make his next matchup Swick, I see a 3-0 clean sweep of AKA guys over Sanchez.
by Jase on Feb 26, 2008 12:56 PM EST reply actions
wrong, having all the best in one place provides many good fights and eliminates question of who is the best. Look what happened to Fedor, nobody big has fought him, and he’s not number one anymore. MMA’s Elite should stick to one organization, and that’s the UFC.
to bad they don’t have all the best fighters or that would be true.they either have to sign all the best or cross promote once in awhile.
by roy on Feb 26, 2008 1:04 PM EST reply actions
I think if Diego and Kos win, that would set up a rematch. Kos said he was to new the first fight, Diego said he was sick with staff during the second fight. So to settle all third fight would be great, he could also get the winner of Swick vs Davis. That would set up a great fight. WW is so solid in UFC……
On a side note, They should let Condit fight Fitch for a title shot at UFC. Condit should not just get a reunification fight , but if he can dethrown Fitch he should def get a shot at champ. I really want to see Condid against some of the UFC top dogs
by MMA_MIND on Feb 26, 2008 1:11 PM EST reply actions
If diego loses that makes 3 consecutive losses, and we all know what that means. Mr. overated needs to put up or shut up.
by Spitforce on Feb 26, 2008 1:17 PM EST reply actions
Dirty Sanchez pissed me off the day he walked into the arena praying to God with his eyes closed and looking to the sky. That move solitified in my mind how big Dirty Sanchez’s ego really was. If you REALLY want to pray, you do so in private, on your knees, and in a humble state of mind. You don’t flaunt your prayer in front of the entire world using dramatic poses and facial expressions. What? Is God only on Dirty’s side? What about the other fighter? Is he not in the good graces of the Lord as well? Dirty Sanchez will never be a champion because he suffers from a deep, dark, and unavoidable insecurity about his place in the world. Bielkheden wins via a Dirty Sanchez self inflicted mind fuck.
by mike on Feb 26, 2008 1:21 PM EST reply actions
i think he will win against bielkden, and then i would like to see him against swick or a rematch w/koscheck
bielkden by 2nd round tko,,,diego is a over-rated reality star like every tough enough guy except forrest and i was on the fence wit him till he beat shogun and he stil doesnt deserve a title shot
by chuckisover-rated on Feb 26, 2008 1:27 PM EST reply actions
Dirty Sanchez pissed me off the day he walked into the arena praying to God with his eyes closed and looking to the sky. That move solitified in my mind how big Dirty Sanchez’s ego really was. If you REALLY want to pray, you do so in private, on your knees, and in a humble state of mind. You don’t flaunt your prayer in front of the entire world using dramatic poses and facial expressions. What? Is God only on Dirty’s side? What about the other fighter? Is he not in the good graces of the Lord as well? Dirty Sanchez will never be a champion because he suffers from a deep, dark, and unavoidable insecurity about his place in the world. Bielkheden wins via a Dirty Sanchez self inflicted mind fuck.
“I want to thank God for my staph infection. I want to thank Jesus Christ my Savior for allowing me to get picked upart by Koscheck and outwrstled by Finch” If you read Phil Munshnick in the NY Post, he always talks about people thanking God after a win “What, God was pissed at his opponent today?”
by Tappi on Feb 26, 2008 1:47 PM EST reply actions
Dirty Sanchez pissed me off the day he walked into the arena praying to God with his eyes closed and looking to the sky. That move solitified in my mind how big Dirty Sanchez’s ego really was. If you REALLY want to pray, you do so in private, on your knees, and in a humble state of mind. You don’t flaunt your prayer in front of the entire world using dramatic poses and facial expressions. What? Is God only on Dirty’s side? What about the other fighter? Is he not in the good graces of the Lord as well? Dirty Sanchez will never be a champion because he suffers from a deep, dark, and unavoidable insecurity about his place in the world. Bielkheden wins via a Dirty Sanchez self inflicted mind fuck.
Thanks Reverend! Save it for sunday service. You can’t deny Diegos ability. And losing to Fith? ain’t no shame in that. And with Kos, I’ve had staff and it fucks you up so I think that he is still in a pretty good place as far as the UFC is concerned. He isn’t the brightest kid but he works and I think he will bring it on saturday. With or with out his karate kid antics.
by Billy Carnage on Feb 26, 2008 2:03 PM EST reply actions
i’m actually a diego fan..not sure why there are so many haters on him. Diego’s fights arent boring (like koscheck)and personally i thought he won the fight with fitch (fitch did no damage and simply got dominant position…but thats the fault of the scoring system). This is actually a bad fight for diego because i doubt he can submit this guy given he’s a black belt. I guess we’ll see if diego’s stand-up has evolved.
by Jakizzle on Feb 26, 2008 2:05 PM EST reply actions
Anyone who has an invisible friend needs to have their head examined.
by Erhardt on Feb 26, 2008 2:13 PM EST reply actions
bielkden by 2nd round tko,,,diego is a over-rated reality star like every tough enough guy except forrest and i was on the fence wit him till he beat shogun and he stil doesnt deserve a title shot
There is no way that Forrest is more talented than Diego. Diego is a lot more skilfull and technical and has the abilty to win a fight in more ways than Forrest. Everybody keeps going on about his victory over Shogun. It was a great victory yes, but seriously Shogun was fighting so bad that Elvis Sinosic would have beaten him. Shogun looked like crap. That fight doesn’t prove anything. Forrest was pretty knackered as well, Shogun was just worse. Jardine is better than Forrest. He is going to have a shock when he faces Rampage.
by Ade on Feb 26, 2008 2:14 PM EST reply actions
I can’t say I’m a Diego fan, but I have respect for him. He’s always game to fight anyone and he comes to fight. This is a huge fight for him….especially if he loses.
by TonyDrip on Feb 26, 2008 2:17 PM EST reply actions
IT WILL BE SO FUNNY WHEN DIEGO LOSES AND THEN MAKES UP ANOTHER EXCUSE AND HAS NO CHOICE BUT ,MOVE TO 155.
by JAMES BLITHER on Feb 26, 2008 2:19 PM EST reply actions
I agree with diego, the only thing fitch had on his was pure strength, I think if diego was the more powerful fighter he would have won that fight.
by nathan on Feb 26, 2008 2:25 PM EST reply actions
I think if Diego and Kos win, that would set up a rematch. Kos said he was to new the first fight, Diego said he was sick with staff during the second fight. So to settle all third fight would be great, he could also get the winner of Swick vs Davis. That would set up a great fight. WW is so solid in UFC……
On a side note, They should let Condit fight Fitch for a title shot at UFC. Condit should not just get a reunification fight , but if he can dethrown Fitch he should def get a shot at champ. I really want to see Condid against some of the UFC top dogs
i think the ufc should throw burkman at condit. burkman has shown that he can hang w/ almost anyone in the top ten, but cant beat anyone, if condit can DOMINATE burkman then we can talk about condit vs the ufc’s elite
by b.w. on Feb 26, 2008 2:25 PM EST reply actions
lol, if they make his next matchup Swick, I see a 3-0 clean sweep of AKA guys over Sanchez.
that remains to be seen. swick has to get by davis first. i think diego still has something to prove.
by b.w. on Feb 26, 2008 2:28 PM EST reply actions
If Nightmare Sanchez shows up. IT"s A WIN !
the nightmare fights from the dominant position.
finishing move – Ground n pound
IF Technical Sanchez shows up. It’s another LOSS !
the technical Diego fights from the guard position.
finishing move – Submissions
GOD BLESS, I hope this guy figures out who he is.
by Ktown on Feb 26, 2008 2:39 PM EST reply actions
I doubt that Bielkheden would take this win, I do hope so though!
by JonnyBoy on Feb 26, 2008 2:42 PM EST reply actions
i think the ufc should throw burkman at condit. burkman has shown that he can hang w/ almost anyone in the top ten, but cant beat anyone, if condit can DOMINATE burkman then we can talk about condit vs the ufc’s elite
BW, I REALLY like that idea. Send Burkman down to the WEC to headline in a main event against Carlos Condit. If Condit is able to FINISH Burkman in the fight, we know that the kid is ready.
by ViolentMike on Feb 26, 2008 2:44 PM EST reply actions
i think the ufc should throw burkman at condit. burkman has shown that he can hang w/ almost anyone in the top ten, but cant beat anyone, if condit can DOMINATE burkman then we can talk about condit vs the ufc’s elite
BW, I REALLY like that idea. Send Burkman down to the WEC to headline a main event against Carlos Condit for the WW belt. If Carlos is able to FINISH Burkman and not lose or go to a decision, he will prove himself worthy to be fighting against the UFC’s elite.
by ViolentMike on Feb 26, 2008 3:03 PM EST reply actions
BW, I REALLY like that idea. Send Burkman down to the WEC to headline in a main event against Carlos Condit. If Condit is able to FINISH Burkman in the fight, we know that the kid is ready.
thanks. you have alot of great ideas yourself.
by b.w. on Feb 26, 2008 3:06 PM EST reply actions
BW, I REALLY like that idea. Send Burkman down to the WEC to headline a main event against Carlos Condit for the WW belt. If Carlos is able to FINISH Burkman and not lose or go to a decision, he will prove himself worthy to be fighting against the UFC’s elite.
I agree, that’s a great idea. With as much acclaim as Condit is getting fighting in the WEC, when he comes to the UFC he will have to be facing top competition. That being said, I don’t want to see Zuffa bring him over to the UFC before he’s ready and have him get killed by the elite fighters in the WW division. Burkman would be a great test to see if he has what it takes to compete with the top WW fighters in the world. Besides, who else if there for him to beat in the WEC at this point?
by GregC on Feb 26, 2008 5:21 PM EST reply actions
Too much talk of Burkman for my taste. The guy doesnt deserve the few sentences that I am writing about him.
The people’s warrior…LMAO he is so far from that!
by john on Feb 26, 2008 7:15 PM EST reply actions
Too much talk of Burkman for my taste. The guy doesnt deserve the few sentences that I am writing about him.
The people’s warrior…LMAO he is so far from that!
true say burkman is the welterwight whipping boy. I remember b4 the Parisyan fight, burkman said he was goin to be world champion…LOL.
by Jakizzle on Feb 26, 2008 7:20 PM EST reply actions
true say burkman is the welterwight whipping boy. I remember b4 the Parisyan fight, burkman said he was goin to be world champion…LOL.
How about that B.S jump spinning round house kick (capoeira style) that he attempted on Swick….. I was LMAO when I saw him try that… I wish the guy would just go away!
by john on Feb 26, 2008 7:33 PM EST reply actions
Diego and Koschek will both loose their fights at UFC 82 this coming Saturday.
Wilson would also have a great shot at an upset, but he is fighting the mentally tough Fitch….who undoubtably will take care of business.
by john on Feb 26, 2008 7:35 PM EST reply actions
Anyone who has an invisible friend needs to have their head examined.
Corey Hill disagrees with you, and so does Buddy Rowe.
by PW on Feb 26, 2008 8:00 PM EST reply actions
Hey! During diego’s pre fight warm ups he has his best friend praying to the gods for power! No B.S! He credits the gods for his “super-human strengths”.
by Rick on Feb 26, 2008 8:15 PM EST reply actions
I think that was a good choice for Diego, he’s 26 yrs old and it’s not that he’s a small 170lbr, it’s that he’s not as strong as other 170 lbrs.
Not only does he have to improve on his strength, but his standup needs a lot of improvement as well.
Oh’ and Diego is nuts!
by THORAZINE on Feb 26, 2008 10:24 PM EST reply actions
I agree with most, Diego is a little quarky and says some strage things that making him look crazy, but the dude can fight. I think the would have been good at 155, I would loved to see him and BJ go at each other. At 170 he will continue to get some stiff competion and will have to work his off for every win. Diego has some great skill on the ground and now with some additional strength I think he will win this weekend and should get another pop at Kos. If he is stronger he will win that one too, then rematch Fitch.
UFC 86 – Diego vs. GSP
by mac daddy on Feb 26, 2008 11:43 PM EST reply actions
Not sure where all the hate is coming from with Diego? But the dude is one tough S.O.B. Its like everyone has forgot what this guy has done and who he’s beat? Everyone goes through losses and he is still learning and evolving as a MMA fighter.
I think we have still yet to see the best of Diego Sanchez and this Saturday is gonna mark the beginning of another long win streak.
War Diego!
by PP on Feb 27, 2008 12:26 AM EST reply actions
Diego is quarky… so what? MMA is not a personality contest, it’s about fighting. Case in point – I love to watch Rampage fight, but he is a total horse’s ass out of the ring. Big deal. He’s fun to watch fight. Diego’s fights aren’t boaring. I loved the fight with Nick Diaz.
Diego has great potential. Needs to work on stand-up, and maybe his mental game, but he’s a good fighter that could be great.
I say he gets an impressive win this weekend.
by 2BAD4U on Feb 27, 2008 2:49 AM EST reply actions
corey Feldman looks pretty buff in that pic. Buton a more serious note, wait a minute this article is about Diago Sanchec, howserious could it be, the guys a joke
by AdamYves on Feb 27, 2008 5:58 AM EST reply actions
I think that was a good choice for Diego, he’s 26 yrs old and it’s not that he’s a small 170lbr, it’s that he’s not as strong as other 170 lbrs.
Not only does he have to improve on his strength, but his standup needs a lot of improvement as well.
Oh’ and Diego is nuts!
Speaking of nuts, I am still waiting for Diego’s balls to drop, so he can get rid of that irratating childish voice of his!
by john on Feb 27, 2008 8:21 AM EST reply actions
Not sure where all the hate is coming from with Diego? But the dude is one tough S.O.B. Its like everyone has forgot what this guy has done and who he’s beat? Everyone goes through losses and he is still learning and evolving as a MMA fighter.
I think we have still yet to see the best of Diego Sanchez and this Saturday is gonna mark the beginning of another long win streak.
War Diego!
No hate towards Diego, he is a warrior, its just that many of you are underestimating his opponent the Scandanavian Lion! Dude’s been training in Rio De Jenaro with Anderson Silva and Nogueira, so I expect his ju jitsu to be just as tight as diego’s if not TIGHTER!
by john on Feb 27, 2008 8:22 AM EST reply actions
bielkden by 2nd round tko,,,diego is a over-rated reality star like every tough enough guy except forrest and i was on the fence wit him till he beat shogun and he stil doesnt deserve a title shot
dude you hate evryone that you dont root for, how can you say that Sanchez is overrated after he gave us some of the best fights in theUFC and he won, also he could of easily won the Fitch fight., OH thats right you also think chuck is hyped up even though he has a better resume than 97% of the MMA world
by hector on Feb 27, 2008 8:39 AM EST reply actions
But like I said before this David guy is no joke i think Diego will have a hard time and seeing how he is a black belt and pretty damn good and GnP hymself I see Diego winning a decision.
by hector on Feb 27, 2008 8:46 AM EST reply actions
There is a fine line between all the guys in the ww division.
Everyone will go on about GSP but did he finish Karo (NO)
Did Diego ko or submit Karo (NO)
Did Serra beat Karo (NO)
See how close things are. Things are bound to get lost in the shuffle and ($#!^ Happens)
I wanna see a card that looks like this…
Other WW’s VS AKA
Karo vs Fitch
Hughs vs Kos
Diego vs Swick
Lick your wounds boys…
by Yikes on Feb 27, 2008 8:59 AM EST reply actions
I am calling it right Now…. Tiago Alves will derail all of Karo’s title hopes, leaving Fitch with a title shot. Tiago Alves is a former Chute Box fighter who now trains with ATT. He should not be taken lightly and he does have THE BEST LEG KICKS in all of mma!
For those that have yet to see Chris Lytle vs. Alves on the UFC 78 undercard…this fight is a must see and if the referee didnt stop it prematurely it would have gained serious consideration for fight of the Year!
Alves is one Nasty dude!
by john on Feb 27, 2008 9:12 AM EST reply actions
… Diego has some great skill on the ground and now with some additional strength I think he will win this weekend and should get another pop at Kos. If he is stronger he will win that one too, then rematch Fitch.
UFC 86 – Diego vs. GSP
WOW, now is THAT a stretch! And it would all happen before UFC 86? You got Diego beating Bielkheden at UFC 81, and then his next fight would be Kos, which would be UFC 85 at the ealiest. And then with a win, he’d rematch Fitch for a title shot, at what, UFC 89? Who would GSP/Serra be defending their belt against in the meantime? Diego last fought in September, that’s 5 months ago. In 2007 he had 2 fights and in 2006, he had 3. He does not fight very often. If Diego were to ever fight against GSP, it wouldnt be for at LEAST 2 years.
by ViolentMike on Feb 27, 2008 9:58 AM EST reply actions

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