Anyone doubting how much Diego Sanchez had left in the tank was proven wrong in a big way at UFC 235, after the original Ultimate Fighter gave young prospect Mickey Gall nightmares.
Not too long ago, Mickey Gall called for a fight with Diego Sanchez. He got one at UFC 235 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Gall had one of the more interesting starts to an MMA career by going 1-0 on the regional scene then submitting Mike Jackson, CM Punk, and Sage Northcutt in the Octagon. His run came to an end when he faced Randy Brown, losing by decision. The 27-year-old bounced back by submitting veteran George Sullivan in August.
Diego Sanchez is a legendary figure in the sport, making his promotional debut way back in 2005 when he became the first fighter to be crowned The Ultimate Fighter. Sanchez has gone 17-12 in the UFC with seven Fight of the Night bonuses and being a part of the Fight of the Year three times. After a pair of knockout losses to Al Iaquinta and Matt Brown in 2017, Sanchez bounced back with a decision win over Craig White.
Sanchez was in full nightmare mode early, and while Gall came out swinging, ‘Nightmare’ landed a solid uppercut. Gall was soon landing, however, and doing well in the clinch. Sanchez retreated, covering up; Gall then stepped off the gas just a little. He’d fire off a pair of kicks, thigh then body. Sanchez then closed the distance, forcing a clinch. A level change followed, and Sanchez got his opponent down. Gall, of course, being a fighter comfortable off his back, wasn’t in too much danger, but as he got back up, Sanchez dragged him down again. Up again, and Gall tried to roll free, but Sanchez kept his hands clapsed. Then another takedown, and elbows to the body from Sanchez.
VINTAGE NIGHTMARE!
Dominant victory leads to the finish for @DiegoSanchezUFC! #UFC235 pic.twitter.com/a7IaiDDOAZ
— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2019
Round two had Gall landing early, putting Sanchez in some obvious discomfort. Yet the younger fighter was tiring, and a knee from Sanchez took the wind out of his sails. Diego Sanchez went in for the kill, and while Gall survived, he could barely get off the canvas. Sanchez was dominant on top, and moved to mount. Gall would transition out, but Sanchez stayed on top, dropping elbows and bloodying Gall. Sanchez moved back to mount, and the elbows continued. The nightmare continued for Gall, until he rolled over and covered up while Sanchez delivered a few final blows.
Diego Sanchez def. Mickey Gall by TKO, Round 2, 4:13
