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Diego Sanchez reveals plans for ‘one more’ fight before retirement

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

Diego Sanchez is nearly ready to call it a career.

The former Ultimate Fighter season one cast member and ex-title contender appears ready to retire from competition after he competes one more time in the UFC octagon.

Sanchez made the announcement over Twitter where he revealed plans for his future.

“It’s my last fight,” Sanchez wrote. “My heart path has changed. It’s time to heal not hurt! One more nightmare to give. It is honestly in Dana White’s hands who I fight. I have no choice in it nor do the matchmakers.”

Sanchez has been a stalwart of the UFC since joining the promotion in 2005 when he won the inaugural season of the long-running reality show by defeating Kenny Florian.

Since that time, the 39-year-old veteran has competed in multiple weight classes including welterweight, lightweight and featherweight. He fought for a UFC title only one time during his career, which was ultimately a loss to B.J. Penn at UFC 107 back in 2009.

Of course, Sanchez has never been shy about facing the best possible competition in the world while sitting in the top 10 for the most wins in UFC history while also earning seven Fight of the Night awards during his career.

In recent years, Sanchez has returned to his old stomping grounds at 170 pounds where he’s gone 3-2 in his past five fights including wins over Mickey Gall and Craig White.

Most recently, Sanchez dropped a unanimous decision to Jake Matthews at UFC 253 this past September.

“Really after everything I have sacrificed to the game, [why do you think] I want to fight with everything I have to earn one last time on the mic!” Sanchez wrote in response to a fan on Twitter. “To spit my truth! I’m willing to die for my last moment, that’s why it will be so epic.”

At this time, Sanchez hasn’t been booked against any particular opponent but it appears he’s adamant in his decision to compete one last time before hanging up his gloves for good.

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