Matt Brown might be known as ‘The Immortal’ — but his retirement fight went down Saturday at UFC Norfolk. Maybe.
‘The Immortal’ Matt Brown was set to take the octagon for the last time at UFC Fight Night 120. In Norfolk, VA on Saturday night, the welterweight slugger took on Diego Sanchez, winner of the original Ultimate Fighter. It was a fitting opponent for his farewell bout, given Sanchez’s own lengthy run in the promotion.
Early in the bout, Sanchez initiated a clinch against the fence, looking to take Brown down. Brown proved his takedown defense was as solid as ever, using a whizzer to stay on his feet. Moments later Sanchez would try again, with the same result. Brown then began leading with his jab, while Diego Sanchez shot in for a desperation single leg takedown attempt. Brown went on the attack, throwing an elbow; Sanchez returned fire with a liver kick that stunned Brown. Sanchez, however, opted not to go after Brown, perhaps not realizing he’d been hurt.
Brown then caught a Sanchez kick, and unleashed a thunderous elbow that instantly floored Diego Sanchez. That sealed the deal, as Brown had the knockout.
After the bout, however, Brown backed off the retirement talk, saying he’d talk to those important to him before making a final decision.
Matt Brown def. Diego Sanchez by knockout (elbow), Round 1, 3:44
