Diego Sanchez (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Diego Sanchez has been with the UFC now since 2005, but as the rugged vet approaches the final fight of his contract, it looks like he could test free agency.

The 37-year-old Sanchez is booked to fight Michael Chiesa at UFC 239 on Saturday, and if he wins, the TUF 1 winner will have won three straight. While speaking to MMA Junkie recently, Sanchez had this to say about his future, and his hopes for his next deal:

“This my last fight on my contract, and Sean Shelby tried to get me to sign some more, and that’s all great. I’ve been doing that for 17 years,” Sanchez said“Now I’m finally in that position to put myself in a point of leverage, and I value myself very high. I’m a pioneer, I’m a legend, I’m a Hall of Famer now.”

“…After this fight is over, the UFC bank is going to have to pay out, too, because I’m going to find out what my value is,” Sanchez added. “If I have to find out in Bellator or in other organization, I want to see.”

Sanchez (29-11) is coming off a stoppage win over Mickey Gall in March, and prior to that, he earned a decision win over Craig White in September.