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[Sakara=Excitement]

UFC fighter Diego Sanchez makes move back to lightweight official - MMAmania.com

It's been nearly three years since Diego Sanchez last competed at 155 pounds.

The event was UFC 107 and "The Dream" was fighting B.J. Penn for the UFC lightweight title, which he would lose via fifth round doctor stoppage.

He returned to the welterweight division after the loss, and has had a very up and down stint, most recently losing a spirited decision at the hands of Jake Ellenberger in a fight where the momentum shifted so heavily that the Ultimate Fighting Championship changed it's policy and made all main events five round fights, no matter what channel they were broadcasted on.

After strong rumors that Sanchez would again drop down to lightweight, he confirmed the news via his twitter account while speaking with UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

"its back to 155 for me... Should be good!!"

The last time Sanchez made the cut to 155 pounds, he was not affiliated with Greg Jackson's gym. Will things be different this time around?

Sanchez made his lightweight debut by defeating former title challenger Joe Stevenson via unanimous decision in February of 2009. He followed up that win by defeating Clay Guida in 2009's Fight of the Year at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season nine finale to earn his shot.

The eccentric Sanchez made waves with his positive thinking and of course, the now infamous "Yes! cartwheels" which have transcended mixed martial arts. Even WWE superstar Daniel Bryan based his in-ring mannerisms on "The Dream."

While Sanchez may not be the most technical fighter in the UFC, he can always be counted on to put on a very entertaining fight with high octane action.

[mma #1 fan]

with in 3 fights he will be back at 170

[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

Diego/Pettis would be wild beyond words.

Kinda would love to see Diego/Stout too if they want to give him a lighter debut back down.

[Mr. Cornute]

My Man, I believe LW is a better fit for him. He has the cardio of a machine & I believe he is a bit stronger at 155 as well.
His grappling will give many guys fits & his striking is still something to be desired, especially for this field of 155'ers but I believe he has a chance to make it to a title shot again.
One can only dream of him making it through the ranks with a 3fight win streak & fighting Bendo for the strap...a dream fight for me.

[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

Now that Melvin's not with Jacksons' any longer, I wonder if a Melvin/Diego bout could happen?

Jim Miller gives everyone good fights, that'd be a baller main event for an FX card.

[Sniggles]

Originally Posted by mma #1 fan

with in 3 fights he will be back at 170

Yeah.. I think so too.

[kingrobert]

Diego could really be a conteder if you could work on his striking. His standup is the same as it was on the Ultimate Fighter. He lunges forward and throws punches. He does the same thing every time. Doesnt use a jab at all. I think LW is a better fit but the division is full of fighters that can beat anyone on any given night

[K1NG P3NN]

Alot of exciting matchups there for him. I think if he worked on his boxing, and decided to use his wrestling more instead of get into striking exchanges that he clearly shouldn't be, he could still be damn good.

[Y2JUBAE]

Well, since Penn is at WW, he should do fine.

[AnchorPunch]

he's still tough as nails and now he's coming down from a doughy 170, not the lean 170 he was. i think he'll prove to be a nice re-addition to 155.

bring him down to face someone with less dangerous striking who needs to get some fan exposure. maybe michael johnson?