Diego Sanchez (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following Diego Sanchez’s recent social media post, in which he announced he is “free at last”, Dana White has confirmed the UFC has cut the TUF 1 winner.

Recently it was reported that Sanchez would no longer fight Donald Cerrone on May 8 as scheduled.  That news was followed by videos Sanchez posted, which documented him and his coach Joshua Fabia criticizing the broadcasting time, during fighter meetings for UFC 253. Fabia has repeatedly claimed he and Sanchez have been unfairly scrutinized by the media. Sanchez has also accused the UFC of mistreating him in recent months.

More recently, White confirmed to Yahoo Sports that the 39-year-old Sanchez has been cut by the UFC. According to the report, Fabia reportedly asked that the UFC send all of Sanchez’s medical records, dating back to 2004. In subsequent conversations, Sanchez’s attorney allegedly would not confirm to the promotion that Sanchez isn’t dealing with short-term or long-term medical issues.

Sanchez did, however, pass his pre-fight medicals to fight Cerrone on May 8.

Further, UFC Chief of Business, Hunter Campbell, reportedly claimed Fabia did discuss short-term or long-term medical issues that Sanchez may have experienced. Campbell contacted Sanchez to confirm he is healthy. The fighter’s attorney reportedly informed the UFC that Sanchez could not confirm this, since he is not a neurologist.

That led to the UFC informing Sanchez he has been released on April 27.

In the aforementioned report, White was quoted saying this.

“I have an incredible, amazing relationship with Diego and I like him very much and I hope he is OK. One of the sad things that happens, not just in fighting but in sports, and I want you to quote me on this, are these creepy weirdos who come from God knows where and leech onto fighters or athletes. They never do any good for them.

“Somehow, this creep got into Diego’s life and has been controlling him. You saw the video of him chasing guys in the Octagon with a knife. How [expletive] nuts is that? He goes to the commission and tells them that he’s taught Diego this death touch. It goes on and on with this guy. He goes into the [fighter-broadcaster] production meeting and tells the commentators what they should be saying? The guy is bats*** nuts. He worked his way into Diego’s life and has gotten control over him. I just want the best for Diego.”

Sanchez, who was expected to retire after the May 8 bout with Cerrone,  has reached out to several MMA promotions via social media to relay he is a free agent. Sanchez currently carries a record of 30-13 and is 3-2 in his last 5 bouts.