Diego Sanchez Released From UFC Roster

After 16 long years, the first winner of The Ultimate Fighter Diego Sanchez and the UFC have parted ways.

This release comes shortly after the announcement that Sanchez wouldn’t be taking part in his scheduled bout with Donald Cerrone on May 8th. There were no official reasons given for why Sanchez would not be competing in the contest.

Diego made a statement on instagram about the release which said this:

‘FREE AT LAST FREE AT LAST @bellatormma @onechampionship @bareknucklefc @bravemmaf @theofficialteresatapia”

This statement probably means that Diego might be done with the UFC, but that he isn’t done competing in combat sports.

Diego Sanchez is truly a legend of the sport and the definition of a UFC veteran. Sanchez started his UFC career way back in 2005, which was kicked off by him winning in The Ultimate Fighter’s debut season. Diego was the only remaining TUF 1 cast member to be on the roster prior to his release.

Sanchez competed in 3 separate weight classes throughout his UFC and is a former title challenger. During this historic UFC career he compiled an 18-13 with notable wins over guys like Jim Miller, Takanori Gomi, Martin Kampmann, Clay Guida, Joe Stevenson, Nick Diaz, Kenny Florian, and many more. This exit from the UFC is truly the end of an era and everyone at MMAdissect wishes Diego nothing but the best in his future endeavours.

Sanchez’s last fight was against Jake Matthews at UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi last September where he lost via Unanimous Decision.