Diego Sanchez reveals that fight against Jake Matthews could be the last of his career

D. Sanchez could have the last fight of his career. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
@UFC

The end is near for Diego Sanchez. One of the most beloved fighters among MMA fans, 'The Nightmare' will fight against the promising welterweight (77,6kg), Jake matthews, UFC 253, on September 26th, and, at 38 years old, revealed that this could be his last fight in his career. To the North American website MMA fighting, the veteran explained that there are more fights in his contract with the UFC, but, as he is too old for combat sports, he believes that the coronavirus pandemic will prevent him from carrying out them, even though he feels better now than when newest.

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“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to fight during the pandemic and this could be my last fight. I don't know if it will be on Fight Island or in Las Vegas. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm not afraid of it anymore. Before, I didn't want to think about retirement. I remember when I was 27, I thought that, at 37, I would stop. I'm 38 and I feel better now than I did at 27. I'm in the moment to be grateful. I have four more fights. I signed my last contract with the UFC and I want to fulfill it, but if this is my last fight, I'll be fine. I don't know how long this pandemic will last, but I have to be realistic. I won’t wait forever,” Sanchez said.

Known for the wars fought in the octagon, Sanchez believes that the fact of not having an audience makes him fight without so much obligation to put on a show and that this will remind him of his days in T.U.F. (The Ultimate Fighter).

“I'm in the final stage of my career and I want to have my last moments of magic in the UFC. I don't feel pressured to perform as the fans like because there won't be fans. It will be me and him. It's like I went back to the The Ultimate Fighter I want to do these four fights, be in good mental health and have the ability to do other things, like be a father. I will never lose hope in humanity. I just hope that we can find a solution and what needs to be rebuilt, will be rebuilt”, he concluded.

Diego Sanchez He began his MMA career in 2002, debuted in the UFC in 2005 and has been with the organization ever since. The veteran was part of the historic first edition of TUF and the fight against Jake matthews, which could be the last of his career, will be number 43, 31 of which took place in the UFC.