Diego Sanchez backs trainer after heavy criticism from UFC Rio Rancho disqualification win

Diego Sanchez is standing by his lone cornerman.

For the second straight fight, Sanchez, a Season 1 winner of “The Ultimate Fighter,” has had only one man in his corner: School of Self-Awareness founder Joshua Fabia.

Sanchez (30-12 MMA, 19-12 UFC) beat Michel Pereira by disqualification due to an illegal knee in the UFC on ESPN+ 25 co-main event Saturday. It was a fight Sanchez was on the way to losing on the judges’ scorecards.

Sanchez mounted little offense in the fight, and while he still is competing at a high level after almost 15 years in the UFC, the concern from his critics came from the cornering advice he received from Fabia.

But former Jackson Wink MMA staple Sanchez thinks the criticism of Fabia is unwarranted.

“School of Self-Awareness is exactly why I have had a record low damage since he has coached. I guess you are just not aware enough to see the change in my movement?? Probably didn’t notice thee size difference or the age?? But hey maybe your a great coach or trainer. How many thousands have trusted you for their better wellbeing? My guy has trained enough to help anyone from me to you my friend. Maybe you could be ok with me being me and making my own decisions. Oh how come you all don’t attack any other coaches for the athletes performance @gregjacksonmma or @jacksonwink_mma never were blamed for my performance but they always got credit for any successes. Speak truth. The real question to all you haters is why does @joshuafabiaknowbody bother you…What’s you real problem??? Honestly you guys may need @schoolofselfawareness more than you realize #truth”

Heading into the third round, Fabia told Sanchez that he had won Round 1, which left UFC analyst and longtime MMA coach Trevor Wittman baffled at the lack of technical advice that Sanchez was receiving. All three judges had Pereira up 20-18.

Although it will go down as a win on Sanchez’s record, perhaps he could have used some added advice in his corner. For now, he stands by Fabia and is carving his own path with his unique methods.