What’s Next For Diego Sanchez?

Feb 15, 2012; Omaha, NE, USA; Jake Ellenberger (right) fights with Diego Sanchez in the Main Event during UFC on Fuel TV 1 at Omaha Civic Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Ryerson-US PRESSWIRE

Diego Sanchez lost Wednesday against Jake Ellenberger, but again showed why he is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. He came after him hard, had him hurt and nearly submitted him in the third round. For Sanchez though it wasn’t enough as he lost a unanimous decision to “The Juggernaut.” At this point in Sanchez’s career we need to ask what his role in the UFC is.

Sanchez went from No. 1 contender at lightweight to afterthought and was on track to a title again if he beat Ellenberger. While he did show that he’s a fan favorite it wasn’t enough to get the win. He tried to push the pace against Ellenberger, but ate a lot of punches and was nearly finished a couple times. Sanchez showed that he has the heart and ability to compete as he nearly finished the fight himself in the final round.

Where does this leave Sanchez? He beats most of the fighters he should, but can’t beat elite level fighters. “The Dream” was picked apart on his feet by Ellenberger and needs to improve his boxing. The loss Wednesday night was a huge setback for any title aspirations Sanchez had because of how deep the 170 pound division is. He went from needing two or three more wins for a title shot to possibly five or more. Sanchez has Ellenberger, Hendricks, Koscheck, Condit and Diaz if he comes back, in front of him and Fitch may even be ahead of him.

He currently looks like a gatekeeper to contendership, but could change that if he wins a few in a row. A fight against Rick Story would make sense because both are coming off a loss and are near the same spot in the rankings for the welterweight division. A win for either could send them right back up the ladder.