MMA News Forums » MMA Forums » Noob Jack City

[stevequalude]

Diego Sanchez's lightweight title challenge fell short as he was dominated by the champion BJ 'The Prodigy' Penn. Knocking Sanchez down in the first and coming close to finishing it, it was only the heart and grit of the 'Nightmare' that kept him in it. Penn opened up a brutal gash on Sanchez's forhead, reminiscent of the wound displayed by Marvin Eastman after he faced Vitor Belfort, and this led to the TKO stoppage in the fifth round.

Now that Sanchez has been eliminated from the title picture at lightweight, his tenure at lightweight has ended as he revealed that he would return to his former division, welterweight:

"Yes I'm going back to welterweight," he posted on his official Twitter account. "I'm loving my new diet. I want Kos or Fitch but any top guy will do. Just want to give you fans the best fight."

It appears that Sanchez's main motivation for the drop to 155lbs was the belt and after such a disparity in level displayed in the fight with Penn, it is clear that whilever he holds the belt then Sanchez will not.

Always a fan-favourite, there are some great matchups for 'Nightmare' at welterweight and one he particularly welcomed was Nate Diaz - the Stockton fighter making the step up to 170lbs himself after a loss to Gray Maynard.

"I hear your (sic) going up to 170 too I would love to welcome you to welterweight, lets make it happen," he offered in Diaz's direction.

It seems Diaz's first fight at that weight will be Rory Markham but who knows what could be in store in the future. Until then, Sanchez will have to set his sights elsewhere and it will be interesting to see if Joe Silva gives him any of the fights he is yearning for.

UFC News | Sanchez Confirms Return To Welterweight | MMAUnltd.com