The Ultimate Fighter Finale: The Wait is Over
Diego Sanchez vs Kenny Florian
Apr 6, 2005
Diego Sanchez:
Wrestling/Jiu-Jitsu/Karate/Jackson Submission Fighting • 5’10• 185
lbs. • 14-0
Career Against Noteworthy Opponents:
• Shannon Ritch (1-0)
• John Cronk (1-0)
• Cruz Chacon (1-0)
History on Ultimate Fighter: 3-0 Defeated Alex Karalexis by submission in
Episode 4
Defeated Josh Rafferty by submission in Episode 8
Defeated Josh Koscheck by split decision in Episode 11
--------------------------------
Kenny Florian: Boxing/Muay Thai/Submission Wrestling/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Sityodtong/Boston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Gracie Barra • 5’10 • 175 lbs. • 3-1
Career Against Noteworthy Opponents:
• Nuri Shakir (1-0)
• Drew Fickett (0-1)
History on Ultimate Fighter: 1-0
Defeated Chris Leben by doctor’s stoppage in Episode 10
--------------------------------
The Better Striker: Tough call. Florian was getting handled on the feet in the first round but he showed a great chin. He also threw enough strikes to keep Leben at bay and a beautifully timed elbow to end the contest. Sanchez has done some stand-up striking and has four wins via knockout or technical knockout.
The Better Grappler: Yet another tough call. Sanchez has shown the ability to both ground-and-pound and submit his opponents in MMA competition. Florian has less experience but he trains with Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Roberto Maia; his ground game is very solid.
And The Winner Is: This will be interesting. A lot more interesting than people would’ve thought before Florian’s performance against Leben. Few in the MMA community (myself included) gave Kenny much of a shot against “The Cat Smasher.” And we were all wrong. Diego knows his best shot is to bring him down, avoid the subs and work ground-and-pound on the mat. This one may go the distance with Diego getting the nod by sheer damage done. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kenny pull out the win.
Career Against Noteworthy Opponents:
• Shannon Ritch (1-0)
• John Cronk (1-0)
• Cruz Chacon (1-0)
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Defeated Josh Rafferty by submission in Episode 8
Defeated Josh Koscheck by split decision in Episode 11
--------------------------------
Kenny Florian: Boxing/Muay Thai/Submission Wrestling/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Sityodtong/Boston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Gracie Barra • 5’10 • 175 lbs. • 3-1
Career Against Noteworthy Opponents:
• Nuri Shakir (1-0)
• Drew Fickett (0-1)
History on Ultimate Fighter: 1-0
Defeated Chris Leben by doctor’s stoppage in Episode 10
--------------------------------
The Better Striker: Tough call. Florian was getting handled on the feet in the first round but he showed a great chin. He also threw enough strikes to keep Leben at bay and a beautifully timed elbow to end the contest. Sanchez has done some stand-up striking and has four wins via knockout or technical knockout.
The Better Grappler: Yet another tough call. Sanchez has shown the ability to both ground-and-pound and submit his opponents in MMA competition. Florian has less experience but he trains with Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Roberto Maia; his ground game is very solid.
And The Winner Is: This will be interesting. A lot more interesting than people would’ve thought before Florian’s performance against Leben. Few in the MMA community (myself included) gave Kenny much of a shot against “The Cat Smasher.” And we were all wrong. Diego knows his best shot is to bring him down, avoid the subs and work ground-and-pound on the mat. This one may go the distance with Diego getting the nod by sheer damage done. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kenny pull out the win.
