• UFC Japan

Sanchez calls for Nate Diaz showdown

ESPN staff
March 3, 2013
Diego Sanchez won a controversial decision against Takanori Gomi, and now wants Nate Diaz © Getty Images
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Diego Sanchez has called on the UFC to hand him Nate Diaz in his next bout, so he can become the first man to beat both Diaz brothers.

Sanchez earned a split decision win over Takanori Gomi at UFC Japan on Saturday, registering a 29-28 score from two judges in a tight bout to call.

It was Sanchez's return to lightweight after a spell at 170lbs, and he forfeited a large percentage of his fight purse when missing weight on Friday. Neverthless, the 31-year-old plans to stay at the lower weight class.

Sanchez now wants the UFC to hand him Nate Diaz, eight years after he beat older brother Nick on the TUF 2 Finale. Younger sibling Nate is scheduled for Josh Thomson on April 20, after which Sanchez wants to be next in the queue.

"He has a fight lined up, but the fight I want is Nate Diaz," Sanchez said. "I want to be the first one to say I beat both Diaz brothers.

"I have got the bigger brother on my resume already, so now I want the little brother. Our styles make for an awesome, awesome fight."

Sanchez also defended the judges' decision to award him the win, saying: "I feel I earned the victory. I went out there, did more damage, got the first round and Takanori Gomi, taking nothing away from him, he is a legend for a reason.

"This was the Japan version of Gomi. This is Gomi fighting in front of his people, his crowd, and that is the legend that was the Pride champion."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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