Say what you will about Diego Sanchez’s last four bouts of which he’s gone 3-1 but are marred by two extremely, extremely controversial decisions over Martin Kampmann (handiwork pictured above) and Takanori Gomi, the guy will still bring the fight to anyone regardless of punches eaten, and that very well could be the key to dethroning Ben Henderson. Diego Sanchez is not impressed by Benson’s recent title defenses, and specifically he thinks Gilbert Melendez defeated Ben at UFC on FOX 7.
This is what he told MMAJunkie radio:
“After watching Benson Henderson’s performance against Gilbert Melendez, I must say, I wasn’t impressed,” “I see a lot of holes in his game, and I feel like that belt’s there for the taking.”
“I don’t see that,” “I see a man who is growing in his martial arts experience. A great fighter, but I see holes in his game, and I really felt he lost that fight to Gilbert.”
Diego has a way to go before he gets another lightweight shot after not being able to make weight against Gomi, and besides that win, the last time Sanchez saw a W at 155 it was back in 2009 against Clay Guida in their wild Fight of the Year… But, the more I think about it, it seems like most fighters fade against Benson late. In rewatching Henderson vs. Pettis, it was the all-pivotal 5th round granted to Pettis (which included the Matrix kick) that probably got him the win, and most agree that it was Melendez letting up in the later rounds that let Ben steal the fight back, but Diego probably wouldn’t let that happen. Diego can cut off the cage, he has an iron chin (Ben doesn’t hit THAT hard either) and just plain knows how to win.
Man, I kind of want to see that fight. I hope Diego can string a few wins together at lightweight. Apparently he will be fighting at UFC 164 with an opponent yet to be determined.
