Diego Sanchez Hospitalized Due to COVID-19, Suffering From Serious Complications

Pneumonia Covid never give up pic.twitter.com/QshVGYiUvW

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) November 26, 2021

Beloved fan-favorite fighter Diego Sanchez is suffering from serious complications due to COVID-19.

A week ago, Sanchez posted on social media stating that he was undergoing a REGEN-COV monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19, also known as a Regeneron antibody infusion. Sanchez went on to explain that his condition had briefly improved, thanking fellow fighter Luis Palomino for recommending this treatment. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship mainstay lamented that the treatment was depriving him of sleep, and that he was “cleaning out all the poison.”

On Thursday night, Sanchez posted an unfortunate update that he had been hospitalized due to the virus. Showing a photograph of him being hooked up to machines, he stated that he had come down with pneumonia as well with low oxygen numbers. A few hours later, Sanchez said that he had also developed blood clots in both of his legs as a result of COVID-19, saying that, “Covid is no motha f----- joke.”

A fan asked Sanchez why he had not gotten the vaccine, and implored Sanchez to push others skeptical about the vaccine to take it lest they fall victim to its effects. “The Nightmare” replied that while he was going through the symptoms of COVID-19, he still could not express support for the vaccine. Per Sanchez, he tested positive on Nov. 9, and has been battling it ever since.

“I’m going thru it but I can’t say I’m sold on the vax at the current moment in time,” Sanchez responded.

An outpouring of support has come for the longtime UFC fighter, with well-wishes from fellow fighters, friends, training partners, celebrities, and even former opponents. Those including champ Rose Namajunas, Michael Chiesa, Deiveson Figueiredo, Jeremy Stephens, Derek Brunson as well as Clay Guida and B.J. Penn. Famed actor Mickey Rourke also chimed in giving his love to the New Mexico-based fighter.

From 2005 to 2020, “The Nightmare” – and briefly “The Dream” – fought among the UFC ranks after his victory on the original season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” With a storied career that ranged from middleweight down to featherweight, Sanchez faced many of the best foes in those divisions across his 32-bout UFC tenure. Sanchez moved on from the promotion after asking for his release, and intended on signing with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. According to an interview BKFC head David Feldman did with MMA Junkie, Sanchez’ deal with BKFC was contingent on passing medical tests. Those will have to wait, as Sanchez currently is embroiled in a far more pressing medical issue.