Diego calling out Matt Hughes again

**Buddha's Buddy** · 03-26-2007 03:33 PM

Brawl Sports | Ultimate fighting and more with Steve Sievert

Taken from the Houston Chronicle's website.

March 25, 2007
Sanchez steps up call to fight Hughes

Diego Sanchez didn't let a little thing like an already-scheduled fight with his archnemesis get in the way of calling out Matt Hughes during his press tour through Houston.

Sanchez, the only undefeated UFC contender in the welterweight ranks, has been saying for months that he wants a crack at Hughes, and he continued to talk the talk last week.

"I've been calling out Matt Hughes. The man that I want is Matt Hughes. They gave him Chris Lytle (at UFC 68), and I think, honestly, it should have been me and Matt Hughes right now, instead of me and (Josh) Koscheck."

While Sanchez insists he isn't looking past Koscheck at UFC 69 April 7 in Houston, it was noteworthy that he spent a decent portion of our discussion fixated on Hughes. "The Nighmare's" desire to fight the former champion led to a recent meeting with UFC boss Dana White, who helped Sanchez with some perspective.

"Me and Dana talked about this, and he said he needs contenders. And, if me and Matt fight, there's only going to be one contender, but I'm still going to work hard after this fight to call him out and say, 'Hey, man, let's do this; let's make it happen.' I've worked my way up and ever since I started in this fight game, I've wanted to fight Matt Hughes. I believe I can submit him. I believe I can stop him from taking me down and outbox and outmuscle him."

A Sanchez-Hughes matchup has the makings of intriguing affair - the division's young stud meets its most dominant champion. But it's not going to happen just yet, even if Sanchez gets by Koscheck.

Should Georges St-Pierre beat Matt Serra at 69, the champ's next defense will likely come against Hughes in Canada later this year. White has all but guaranteed it. Sanchez would undoubtedly be next, provided he's still unbeaten - and that's no sure thing. Koscheck represents a true test.

Sanchez has four fights left on his current UFC contract.

**Rocky12233** · 03-26-2007 03:58 PM

I would want to fight Matt Hughes as well if I was Diego......More reason to delay the loss he will be getting when he faces GSP....=)

**Shoney** · 03-26-2007 04:34 PM

Was this interview before or after he was smokin'? Just messing around. I would look forward to this fight. However, I wouldn't look past Koscheck if I was Diego.

**opsy** · 03-26-2007 04:56 PM

Why wouldn't he want GSP? Either the belt means nothing or he is trying to seem fearless to cover-up his denial that he is a contender against a monster.

WAR Kos, shut him up

**MTKrav911** · 03-26-2007 05:38 PM

I woulent look past Kos either. I think he's stronger and a better wrestler who's improved more than Diego has since the show.

**The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell** · 03-26-2007 06:44 PM

Matt hughes WILL demolish nightmare im not kidding brutal ground and pound

**KRONOS** · 03-26-2007 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell

Matt hughes WILL demolish nightmare im not kidding brutal ground and pound

Don't think so...

**PghPens71** · 03-26-2007 06:50 PM

that fight would be the one time i'm pro Hughes
just like UFC 69 is the one time i'm pro 'kos'

**MTKrav911** · 03-26-2007 06:50 PM

Diego's list of victims isn't as exclusive as Huges. I hate Hughes, but "The Nightmare" is living a dream if he thinks he's ready for the strength of a Hughes

**Saskabush** · 03-26-2007 06:53 PM

I think that Diego would manhandle Hughes, just my opinion though.

**Gooner** · 03-26-2007 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell

Matt hughes WILL demolish nightmare im not kidding brutal ground and pound

You're right, Diego is no Chris Lytle.

**The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell** · 03-26-2007 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by Gooner

You're right, Diego is no Chris Lytle.

Chris lytle was pure defense no offense at all, and it was Hughes first fight back and that does make a pretty big difference. I know you hate to admit it but Hughes is a dominate fighter I mean look at his list of victims, He will murder diego

**droplogic** · 03-26-2007 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by Gooner

You're right, Diego is no Chris Lytle.

HAHAHAHA PWN

**Rocky12233** · 03-26-2007 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by PghPens71

that fight would be the one time i'm pro Hughes
just like UFC 69 is the one time i'm pro 'kos'

100% agree with ya...

**TaddT189** · 03-26-2007 11:17 PM

Diego can submit him. And possibly outbox him. As for out muscling him I don't think so.

**Mouth For War** · 03-26-2007 11:36 PM

if diego gets an unimpressive victory against kos then i dont think he'll have much of a shot against hughes. kos has great wrestling but no where near as much mma experience as hughes

**Buddha's Buddy** · 03-26-2007 11:55 PM

Both are good on the ground. Stand-up is close but I give the edge to Diego, though neither is going to KO the other on their feet. Strength goes to Hughes, easily. Both have heart, so it's really a tough call. The funniest thing is, though I respect both fighters, I can't stand either. Pick: Hughes.

**duke09** · 03-27-2007 12:14 AM

i think diego would beat matt. maybe a decision, but diego would beat him, imo.

gsp has exposed so many holes in matt's game, the vultures are circling.

anyway, i think that diegop has the best chance of beating gsp of all the WW there are right now..

**IrishRage** · 03-27-2007 12:19 AM

I would be kinda pissed off aswell , Diego has beaten Nick Diaz who just put on a boxing clinic against Pride champion Gomi , Karo he beat in a amazing 3 round top 3 fight of the year , beaten Joe Riggs at his own game by a crazy KO and he didn't earn a shot at matt Hughes after he lost his belt ??? Sure the great chance of matt losing back to back fights must of been on Dana mind and the lost money of a GSP vs Hughes rematch in Canada but Hughes didn't seem to think Lytle was worthy to be in the ring with him didn't understand it , and Diego was calling for this match hardcore ! The wait will easily be a other 8 months before this fight will go down and because there isn't enough true contenders , If you ask me Diego is being pretty calm about this , and taking on Josh will be a nice test and grudge match , they hate each other and there both mouthy lol most fans are looking forward to it.

**Moonpie** · 03-27-2007 11:27 AM

I can't stand Sanchez. I think the UFC should let him fight Hughes. That would be the first time when i hope victory for Hughes.

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