Like never before: A conversation with UFC lightweight Diego Sanchez

by Penny Buffington on Feb 21, 2009 3:41 AM EST Comment 30 comments

UFC 95 "Sanchez vs. Stevenson" is set to go down tonight starting at 9 pm ET from the O2 Arena in London, England. Headlining the event opposite Joe Stevenson will be Diego Sanchez, a former welterweight contender making his much-anticipated debut at 155 lbs.

The inaugural Ultimate Fighter (TUF) middleweight champion had resisted the move in recent past, especially since he was knocking on the door of a potential 170-pound title shot with a win over Thiago Alves at UFC 90: "Silva vs. Cote" back in October.

Sanchez had to withdraw from the bout, however, because of a rib injury. Alves went on to strafe last minute replacement and top player in the division, Josh Koscheck, to score a convincing unanimous decision win.

While the injury was legitimate, it didn't stop the critics from making accusations about his desire to fight the dreaded "Pitbull." Some even accused him of "running" to the lightweight division to avoid him.

Sanchez was unfazed.

"People are entitled to an opinion. It is what it is. You get hurt, you get hurt. I just trust God's plan!"

His new career at 155-pounds starts against one of the top contenders in the weight class. Joe Stevenson, TUF 2 welterweight winner and newly-minted Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, poses a very serious threat to Diego's plans to move quickly through the lightweight ranks.

And Sanchez isn't taking it lightly.

"It's a good opponent and I'm very prepared. Being the main event at a UFC is a dream come true. I'm ready for the time change, it's all about being able to flip the switch to 'on'. I can do that very easy after learning peak mind state training at Tony Robbins. My game plan is to just outclass him in all aspects and to stay out of his guillotine. I'm prepared for that move."

When Diego posted to his MySpace blog last December that he was dropping to lightweight, it wasn't long before he was called out by former 155-pound title holder Sean Sherk. A win over Stevenson and Sanchez feels a bout with Sherk is inevitable.

"It will happen. He is the top fighter at 155 in my opinion. He just was dumb to try and strike with BJ (Penn at UFC 84). He should have pushed the pace with scrambles and a lot of takedowns. But I guess he was not confident in his ground game."

As if facing "The Muscle Shark" wasn't bold enough, "Nightmare" can even see himself eventually taking on perhaps the best lightweight in the world in BJ "The Prodigy" Penn.

"(Dropping weight will be a) good opportunity to better my stock as a fighter. Yes, I beat (Kenny) Florian easy and think as long as I show I can make the weight and dominate Joe, I can argue ... I know the fans want me and BJ. It makes no difference in the outcome. BJ gets tired easy. It's pathetic to think I really believed he had focused and trained hard (for UFC 94). I hope we get to fight. It's a dream fight for me."

Despite his optimism, not everyone was convinced that Sanchez would be able to drop the weight in time for his fight at UFC 95 - especially since he was as high as 195 lbs. just two months out.

It didn't matter. Aside from his commitment to his new division, Sanchez had the power of herbal sweetener Stevia on his side.

"Stevia is amazing, good for cutting weight. It's like a healthy lemon aid. Sweet! Also it gives good energy. I'm faster, stronger, more dedicated, and very focused - like never before. It's all or nothing from here on out, I promise."

In the end, Sanchez can't credit Stevia, dedication or anything else for his overall success in the UFC. That good fortune came from none other than the man upstairs, the notorious G.O.D.

"All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me! The victory is not mine, it is his. Without him I am nothing. With him I am everything. I love Jesus so much! Thanks (also) to the Maloof family, Sacramento Kings, Bad Boy MMA and all my supporters."

It all goes down a little later tonight. Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the tape-delayed main card action starting tonight at 9pm ET.

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tony robbins? the guy with the big teeth is the driving force behind sanchez? i see diego is as wacky as ever. he should still easily defeat joe daddy.

by day1er on Feb 21, 2009 3:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

i was watching the penn/gsp fight and notice when bj is walking to the octagon a man jumps out of the crowd and kisses him! funny SH

but yeah sanchez 1st rd rn choke

by Mikeybear2009 on Feb 21, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I saw that too. Funny as hell. It was apparently the kiss of death.

by stevo on Feb 21, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol kiss of death….

whats the time difference …. its about five hours isn’t it???

anyone else think sherk would beat diego if they were to fight

you know like he beat franca…. relentless take downs and LnP

by ufcaddict on Feb 21, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So many people bash Sanchez for being whacky but regardless of his unorthodox actions, he is a very mentally strong fighter…..so whatever he is doing, WORKS for him!

dont really like listening to diego talk but I think the world of him as a fighter. although he was one of the smallest WW at the top of the food chain, diego was very good at welterweight. NOw that he gets to enjoy the size advantage for a change at LW, it should make him very tough to beat. His ju jitsu is top shelf! I watched G n P fighters like Koscheck who were petrified of going to the ground against Diego. HIs jits is very technical….I expect him to shoot right to the top of the lW division.

I feel that Diego got a RAW deal from the UFC. Before losing to Koschek, I think Diego had earned the right to fight for the title….The UFC shafted him out of what he deserved, and then he lost a few fights and fell off of the mountain. At the time when I felt that Diego was the #1 contender at WW, Hughes was still a dominate champion, and I honestly believe Diego could have taken his title.

He is starting his LW career with a BANG, by accepting a fight against a top 5 UFC lW. If he dominates Stevenson, like I think he will….he should only need a win, 2 at the most before fighting for the lW title!

I expect big things out of Diego at 155 lbs.

by john on Feb 21, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I will always go against you when it comes to you thinking that Nog and Shogun are not passed their sell by date, but I with you 100% about Diego and feel excactly the same way. He defintely did deserve his shot at Hughes back then, but Dana and the UFC had other plans for Hughes. I still remember him getting Chris Lytle before he fought GSP. WTF. And the ref kept the fight on the ground the whole time without standing it up once, even though Hughes was just laying on top of him and inflicting zero damage. That was definately done on purpose.

by Ade on Feb 23, 2009 4:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m atheist and skeptical about most things, but there are some serious advantages to positive thinking. People make fun of “the Secret” but there’s something to it. If you convince yourself that you are destined for positive things it can have a huge impact on your success. The only gay part is when it’s taken too far and starts to sound like some magical force. You can believe 100% and on occasion something so shitty will happen that you fail anyway. However, as far as tools go, the mental part is huge. I think being such a wacky fucktard that you believe these things without question is actually a bigger advantage than people think.

by Punch You in the Ovaries on Feb 21, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

See, you started out just stating your difference of opinion at 1st and even made a valid point about the importance of self belief and there’s never anything wrong with that…..until you start to insinuate that people with strong beliefs that differ from yours are somehow “wacky”. Who’s to say your way of “ashiest” thinking is better than another person’s belief? The core issue I have with your post is that it’s very insensative to anyone else who believes and is dedicated to anything far greater then themselves.

by Machine on Feb 21, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.

by PW on Feb 21, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn’t theist-bashing Machine! I’m calling Diego Wacky, not all believers in a higher power. Get over it. Sensitivity isn’t something I value when it comes expressing views, nor is political correctness. By the way, just to keep myself in your offensive category, I do find that 90% of extreme belivers in any Faith are wacky. My best friend is one of them. He’s a wacky fucker and I think he’s dead wrong, but I’m not going ot fake sensitivity. I call him illogical and he says I’m going to hell. Then we drink beer.

by Punch You in the Ovaries on Feb 21, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like maybe both you AND your hell-threatening friend are wacky.

;o)

by yoshi on Feb 21, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wacky in a non-special-tea-drinking way. Or an I-am-absorbing-the-energy-of-the-ocean sort of way, maybe.

Oh, and I’m a Diego fan. He’s just a fucktard.

by Punch You in the Ovaries on Feb 21, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

whatever works for Diego! He is a very mentally strong fighter so his whacky-ness works for him!

by john on Feb 21, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, I am a 100% born again Christian, but I kinda understand where PYITO’s is coming from. I think it’s great that fighters use their position to speak about their personal faith (assuming it’s genuine) and it’s their 1st amendment right but, I have always been a little wary when an athlete starts using God as a reason for victory or defeat. I have always taught my kids (biological and students I work with) that we should always do our best, while striving for excellence, and pray that we do it in a way that reinforces our faith to others, win or lose.

PS. I just spoke to God, He’s rooting for Joe Daddy

by Jrandolph on Feb 21, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ovaries:

We all agree to disagree now and again on this site. Diego voiced his opinion about his beliefs, you voiced yours about his and I voiced mine about the way you delivered your message. Apparently you and I disagree on this topic. Plain and simple. But as long as you or anyone else feels free to disregard how your words/actions impact others, there will always be someone to call you on it. Every action has an equal or opposite reaction. In other words, giving opinions will always be a two-way street.

Either way, I’m sure at some point down the road we’ll disagree on something else and agree on another topic altogether. I’m sure we’ll both be fine one way or the other.

by Machine on Feb 23, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He thanked the Sacramento Kings?? What’s that all about??

by prophet on Feb 21, 2009 4:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

i think they sponsor him or something…. their logo appears on his shorts.

by Flyingknees on Feb 21, 2009 6:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

diego should fight karo at 170 and loser of that fight should have to leave ufc,,since they are possibly 2 biggest annoying waste of space in the ufc

i would put chuck in there but he isnt important enough to b on that list

by juggalomike on Feb 21, 2009 4:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

appearently he’s in with the owners (maloof family). I guess the cheif issue to confront when examining this match up is whether or not God is an mma fan. If so , how could he turn his back on his good friend Diego??? oh wait a minute, God was in favor of human sacrafice for his own son. Guess I’m back to square one. Putting aside my lighthearted teasing of certian deists I think Diego looks awesome and is going to ruin Daddy tommorow. Why would he thinks Sherk is “the top fighter at 155” after his lopsided defeat?
We’re gonna get some awesome throw downs tommorow. I still cant believe so many insiders are picking the man-child Struve to take out the hulking brazilain kickboxing champ and Black house student. I mean Struve has a bright future but Junior’s gonna smash that dude.

by naturalist on Feb 21, 2009 4:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

actually, the idea was the God sacrificed himself… the Father is the Son. Complicated, but…

kinda like the fighters sacrifice themselves during training…. got to if you wanna win.

I hope Joe Daddy wins… seems like a nicer guy… Diego comes off as way too cocky…

by yoshi on Feb 21, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fighters cutting weight to gain an advantage has gotten old.
I’d rather see them walk in the octagon at the limit.
Weigh in the day of the fight.
I know Dana wouldn’t go for it, because he’d need a SHW division for Bork Lesnar.
The driving force behind Sanchez seems to be running from Greasy & Alves.

by KS on Feb 21, 2009 6:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

what do you mean? All fighters still do it…

by Robert(1) on Feb 21, 2009 8:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

His comment on the sherk v penn fight are my thoughts exactly. Why sherk thought he should strike with Penn is beyond me. If he would have pushed the pace his strength and cardio would have won him that fight. Either way if any fighter from here on in does not use the Hughes blue print on how to beat Penn they are just looking to lose a fight.

If you want to stand and trade with Penn just wait till the 3rd or 4th round when he can’t get his arms up to defend himself. Watch Hughes vs. Penn 2 and you will know how to defeat BJ Penn.

by MMAFan1981 on Feb 21, 2009 7:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

diego vs florian would be interesting. i think diego still takes it.but unlike the 1st fight, it wouldnt as easy. his way bigger than florian, and his power and pace would definitely wear out kenflo,,now bj vs diego would also be interesting..i think diego would beat bj..to be honest im beginning to think bj jits is soo overhyped..i mean his when was the last time he submitted anyone off his back..never i think..and his cardio is one of the worst in the sport..the only thing good goin for him are his to sets of monkey legs..and his size as a 155er..

by jace on Feb 21, 2009 7:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Penn is Penn and nothing is going to change that…..he will never have cardio it’s part genetic and part his way of thinking…train hard for 2-3 hrs than go have some fun…when a fighter trains his trainers(rock in ocean thing) you know he deosn’t want to be pushed and they will not push him…that being said Penn is not pathetic he happens to be champ. Sanchez looking good tonight is a must…one more win and he should fight for the belt…good addition to the weight class…really good fights tonight better than the PPV in March.

by Robert(1) on Feb 21, 2009 8:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Grease lightning would kill Diego and so would Alves. Diego might beat Sherk and Joe but BJ Penn? Awesome fight but not gonna happen for at least a year.

Grease Lightning walks around about 190 and Alves is about 200. They are the biggest guys at WW. They are also number 1 and 2. To weigh in the morning of the fight would make things more fair. Guys at 155 who are not cutting weight or hardly any have a disadvantage fighting guys like diego and sherk.

by hatteras on Feb 21, 2009 9:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

lol@ the article calling BJ Penn “perhaps the best lightweight”

mmamania is slipping really fast. they better learn more about MMA if they want to have that in their name.

by billyjoel on Feb 21, 2009 1:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Obviously I’m biased, but Diego calling BJ pathetic for his performance against GSP, and saying that Sherk should have beaten him is pretty stupid. Sherk tried for a couple TD’s. Didn’t work. Does Diego think that he’ll be able to take BJ down and force a scramble? Keep dreaming. Diego hasn’t proven sh*t yet. GSP would annihilate Diego within 3 rounds, and I mean bloody, cut up, swollen face, and mentally broken. I wonder what happens to Diego when he fights a good striker. He never has. He’s never been hit hard. I was excited for the Alves fight before Diego got hurt, because I want to see what happens when he does get hit hard.

Diego dominated a few second tier fighters at 170, and lost to two of the top fighters at 170. I don’t think he’ll beat Sherk, and I don’t think he’ll beat Florian again. His striking has improved since the beginnning, but the only thing that really sets him a part is his pace, heart, and determination. Kenny and Sherk are both more technically sound than Diego. Time will tell.

Diego looked like a cancer patient at the weigh-ins. We’ll see if the cut affects his cardio. I doubt it did, because the guys such a conditioning freak.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 21, 2009 2:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs