A marriage of savage intensity and unkempt showmanship, the Albuquerque, New Mexico, native has been cringe-inducing at times and awe-inspiring at others. Sanchez won Season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series as an undefeated prospect, emerged as a serious player in multiple divisions and enjoyed a wildly successful run as an action hero in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The 40-year-old has not competed since he dropped a unanimous decision to Jake Mathews at UFC 253 on Sept. 26, 2020, suffering his eighth loss in 14 outings. Sanchez has since been released by the UFC, clouding his future in the sport with uncertainty.
As the combat sports community awaits word on Sanchez’s next move, here are five things you might not know about him:
1. He maximized his youth.
Sanchez made his professional mixed martial arts debut at the age of 20 when he submitted Michael Johnson with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their Ring of Fire 5 pairing on June 21, 2002. He went on to post two more victories before he could legally purchase an alcoholic beverage.
2. An affinity for gold surfaced on the regional scene.
“The Nightmare” was the sixth welterweight champion in King of the Cage history, with Erik Meaders, Joe Stevenson, Romie Aram, Ronald Jhun and John Alessio preceding him. Sanchez captured the title in his final appearance with the organization, as he took a unanimous decision from Jorge Santiago at KOTC “Unfinished Business” in June 2004. Soon after, he was cast on Season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series.
3. He made his mark inside the Octagon.
Sanchez still ranks fourth on the UFC’s all-time list in total fight time (6:37:07), sixth in appearances (32) and 10th in victories (19). He was involved in a “Fight of the Night” on six different occasions, and his epic encounter with Clay Guida in “The Ultimate Fighter 9” Finale main event on June 20, 2009 now hangs in the fight wing of the UFC Hall of Fame.
4. He has been something of a chameleon.
The Greg Jackson protégé has competed in four different weight classes—featherweight, lightweight, welterweight and middleweight—as a pro but enjoyed the vast majority of his success at 170 pounds.
5. Only a select few cracked his combination.
Sanchez has been finished only four times, all by knockout or technical knockout, in his 43-fight career. B.J. Penn, Joe Lauzon, Al Iaquinta and Matt Brown were the perpetrators.