Sherdog’s Top 10: The Ultimate Fighters

8. Diego Sanchez

The mercurial Sanchez has always marched to the beat of his own drum, but he has produced consistently excellent material since winning Season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

A seven time “Fight of the Night” winner, his non-stop motor and indomitable will led to unforgettable encounters with Karo Parisyan, Martin Kampmann, Joe Stevenson and former Strikeforce champions Nick Diaz, Clay Guida and Gilbert Melendez. Sanchez’s 16 victories in the Ultimate Fighting Championship tie him for seventh on the promotion’s all-time list, trailing only Michael Bisping (20), Georges St. Pierre (19), Donald Cerrone (18), Demian Maia (18), Matt Hughes (18) and Jim Miller (17). A standout in two weight classes, “The Nightmare” fought B.J. Penn for the lightweight championship at UFC 107, where he was preyed upon by the Hawaiian legend in December 2009.

Even as he approaches his 35th birthday, Sanchez remains active and effective. He last appeared at UFC Fight Night 98 on Nov. 5, when he spoiled the organizational debut of Marcin Held before 11,460 fans in Mexico City.

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