Sanchez Fought With ‘Torn Labrum’ At UFC 253

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

Diego Sanchez is looking to continue his fighting career despite losing to Jake Matthews last weekend at UFC 253, but “The Nightmare” will have to heal up before jumping back inside of the Octagon.

Sanchez, who looked completely outmatched in his 170-pound clash with Matthews, revealed in a recent Instagram post that he had a “torn labrum” entering the fight and will need some stem cell treatment to correct the injury. The long-time veteran didn’t seem to be using the ailment as an excuse for his performance but did also mention he accepted the Matthews fight on just one month’s notice.

“Warriors don’t always win, they do however always survive,” Sanchez wrote. “I took a fight on the other side of the world on a month’s notice, fought my fourth primed 26-year-old out of the last five opponents. With a torn labrum in my left hip. I positively pressed the fight with a streaking 5-1 welterweight prospect.”

Sanchez, 38, didn’t win one round against Matthews during their “Prelims” clash last weekend on “Fight Island.” The veteran fighter was able to survive all 15 minutes against a bigger opponent with more on the line, but Matthews did walk away with a lopsided unanimous decision (30-26 X3).

In addition to Sanchez’s injury reveal the UFC legend also spoke about his conversation with UFC president Dana White following his loss. While White mentioned at UFC 253’s post-fight press conference (repay HERE) that it may be time for Sanchez to hang it up, “Nightmare” claims not “one negative word” was uttered after his fight.

“Had a face to face with @danawhite with not one negative word only respect and love,” Sanchez wrote. “I might have some haters but that’s only a accurate identification of successfulness. Made it my 36 trip to the octagon. Today I will get treatment on my torn labrum @utahstemcells @jon_anik was incorrect during fight commentary as he credited stem cell for helping me in between fights. This is my first partnership with a stem cell facility and am very excited to see how this treatment can help extend my longevity.”

As it stands, Sanchez currently has three fights left on his UFC deal. That may seem like a lot for a 38-year-old veteran fighting well beyond his prime, but Sanchez hasn’t been finished inside of the Octagon since 2017 and is 3-2 in his last five trips to the cage.