Andrew Sanchez

Andrew Sanchez is a grizzled middleweight journeyman and former Ultimate Fighter champion who has carved out a two-decade combat career on the back of elite wrestling credentials. A four-time All-American at McKendree University and 2011 NAIA Wrestler of the Year, Sanchez also earned IBJJF world and pan-American titles in jiu-jitsu before turning pro in 2012. He won The Ultimate Fighter 23 light heavyweight tournament in 2016 with a dominant unanimous-decision victory over Khalil Rountree, earning a UFC contract that would span five years and 14 fights.

Sanchez fights as a wrestler-first grinder who leverages takedowns and top control to set up finishes. He has recorded 7 UFC knockouts and 2 submission wins, often from dominant positions, though he absorbs more volume on the feet than he lands. In the octagon he compiled a mixed record against UFC-level competition: notable wins over Wellington Turman (R1 KO, earning Performance of the Night), Marc-Andre Barriault, and Markus Perez were offset by losses to ranked fighters Marvin Vettori, Anthony Smith, Makhmud Muradov, and Bruno Silva, leading to his 2021 release.

What sets Sanchez apart is his transparent evolution as a fighter. In recent interviews he has spoken candidly about overtraining, ego-driven camps, and the mental toll of obsessing over wins and losses. He credits shorter notice fights and a more 'free-flowing' mindset with rejuvenating his career. Now active in the PFL and willing to take tough matchups on short notice (including in opponent hometowns), Sanchez embodies the veteran warrior who has learned to embrace underdog status and compete for the love of competing rather than the burden of winning. At 35 and across multiple promotions, he remains a dangerous gatekeeper and finisher who will travel anywhere and fight anyone.