With both men coming off big wins, Diego Sanchez and Demian Maia have expressed a mutual interest in fighting each other next.
It would be a historic matchup. The combined 60 fights of octagon experience between the two UFC welterweights would set a new single-fight record for a bout with the promotion.
Sanchez (29-11 MMA, 18-11 UFC) called out Maia (26-9 MMA, 20-9 UFC) following his TKO of Mickey Gall at UFC 235 this month, and the Brazilian said he would “be honored” to compete against the Season 1 winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series.
Apparently Sanchez caught wind of the response. He doubled down on social media and even promised a stoppage in the potential contest (via Instagram):
Looks like we have a hell of a fun fight! I promise to put a non stop pace that will l finish the Brazilian legend with some dirty Sanchez wrestling! #threefingersdeep #nightmaresarereal #iamtheone
Maia is coming off a submission victory over Lyman Good at UFC on ESPN+ 2 in February. The triumph snapped a three-fight losing skid for the grappling ace, who at 41, has said he only has a few more fights left before retirement.
Although there’s been no proposed date or location, Maia seems captivated by the chance to fight Sanchez, who has never been submitted in MMA competition.
For more on the upcoming UFC schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
