Diego Sanchez Fighting Matt Hughes This Fall

Thursday, April 28, 2011

By FCF Staff

After narrowly getting by Martin Kampmann at UFC Live 3 in March, Diego Sanchez will now turn his attention to one of the sport’s most accomplished welterweights ever, as the UFC has announced he will face former champion Matt Hughes sometime this fall. UFC President Dana White was quoted saying on the promotion’s official website:

“A matchup between two welterweight fan favorites has been verbally agreed to as Diego “The Dream” Sanchez will face former UFC welterweight champion and Hall of Famer Matt Hughes,” said UFC President Dana White. “Sanchez is coming off of a Fight of Night winning performance against Martin Kampmann and Hughes is looking to add another great victory to his incredible UFC career.”

Prior to his memorable bout with Kampmann, the 29 year-old Sanchez (23-4) scored a unanimous decision win over Paulo Thiago last October, after dropping back-to-back bouts to John Hathaway and BJ Penn.

Hughes (45-8) had his three fight winning streak brought to an abrupt end by Penn last November, who knocked out the veteran in the first round of their UFC 123, rubber match. The 37 year-old Hughes had defeated Matt Serra, Renzo Gracie and Ricardo Almeida heading into the bout.

No date or venue has been confirmed yet for the Sanchez, Hughes fight.