Diego Sanchez Wears Down Marcin Held To Earn Decision Win

Former Bellator mainstay Marcin Held (22-5) made his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut at UFC Fight Night 98. His opponent was UFC veteran Diego Sanchez (27-9). “The Nightmare” had the Mexico City crowd on his side.

Held blocked a high kick from Sanchez under a minute into the fight. A jumping front kick attempt found air for Sanchez. Held pressed his opponent against the fence, but it was brief. “Nightmare” moved forward with strikes, but couldn’t find his target. Held countered Sanchez with an uppercut. Sanchez went for a takedown, but the Polish submission specialist got in a deep choke. “Nightmare” used his feet to push off the cage and launched himself in the air to escape the choke. A right hand from Sanchez ended the round.

Held rolled to the leg lock early in the second round. Sanchez laid down some leather to get Held to give up the hold. “”Nightmare” scrambled, but Held looked for a heel hook. Sanchez landed an elbow in full guard. “Nightmare” remained in control throughout the round and even took the back of Held.

Sanchez landed a leg kick early in the final frame. Held missed a spinning backfist. Held dropped Sanchez with an uppercut, but Sanchez took Held down. Held went for another leg lock, but “Nightmare” thwarted the attempt. Held tried attacking the arm, but Sanchez continued to remain in control and avoid submission attempt. The final round ended with “Nightmare” raining down punches.

All three judges scored the contest in favor of Sanchez.

Final Result: Diego Sanchez def. Marcin Held via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)