Diego Sanchez

Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez is the Albuquerque fighter who won the first season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005, beating Kenny Florian in the final, and went on to fight in four UFC weight classes.

His 2009 war with Clay Guida is in the UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing, and he challenged BJ Penn for the lightweight title that year. He fought into his 40s, known for his intensity and eccentric training methods. CagePotato covered his wars, his “Yes!” cardio and his unusual lifestyle.

Diego Sanchez fact file
Full nameDiego Sanchez
NicknameThe Nightmare
Date of birth
Place of birthAlbuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Organisations fought in
  • UFC
  • King of the Cage
  • Pride FC
Accolades
  • The Ultimate Fighter 1 middleweight winner (first TUF champion)
  • UFC Lightweight title challenger (2009)
  • UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing (vs. Clay Guida)
  • King of the Cage Welterweight Champion

End of content

End of content