Diego Sanchez (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

There have been calls from some observers for Diego Sanchez to retire in the past, and following his loss at UFC 239, those voices may be heard again. But, it sounds like Dana White’s not on board with the idea Sanchez needs to end his career.

Sanchez faced Michael Chiesa at UFC 239, and was overpowered and out grappled by the latter throughout three rounds. Chiesa emerged from the contest with a clear cut, decision win.

After the card, White was asked to weigh-in on whether Sanchez should retire, and the UFC President said this (quote via MMA Junkie):

“I love everything about Diego Sanchez,” White said. “When you talk about somebody who was put on this earth to fight, it’s what this kid was born to do. And you saw tonight, the way that he was treated by the fans. The fans love this guy.

“Chiesa is going to be scary at that weight. He was huge. Huge. And every time Diego went to grapple with him, he couldn’t. He was overpowered and Chiesa fought a good fight. Fourteen years, 15 years this guy has been in the UFC. It’s amazing. It’s not like he got viciously knocked out. You know what I mean?”

The 37-year-old Sanchez was coming off back-to-back wins over Mickey Gall and Craig White prior to facing Chiesa. Those wins followed consecutive, knockout losses Sanchez (29-12) incurred against Matt Brown and Al Iaquinta.