Andrew Sanchez

Andrew William Sanchez (born April 8, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Light heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 2012, he has formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Professional Fighters League (PFL), and Resurrection Fighting Alliance.

Background
Sanchez started training in various forms of martial arts as a teenager. He was a two-time national championship wrestler at McKendree University and was named the 2011 NAIA Wrestler of the Year. He graduated in 2011 with a degree in sociology.

Mixed martial arts career
Sanchez began fighting professionally in 2012 where he compiled a record of 7–2 on the regional circuit.

The Ultimate Fighter
He was added as one of the 16 Light Heavyweight fighters invited to the cast The Ultimate Fighter 23.

He won his entry fight against Phil Hawes via unanimous decision. Next up, he defeated Myron Dennis via unanimous decision.

In the semifinals, he defeated Eric Spicely by knockout in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Sanchez made his promotional debut on July 8, 2016, at UFC The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale in the Light Heavyweight finals against Khalil Rountree. He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision with the score card of (30-25, 30–25, 30–26).

Sanchez next faced Trevor Smith in a middleweight bout on December 9, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 102. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Sanchez faced Anthony Smith on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24. He lost the fight via knockout due to a combination of knee and punches in the third round.

Sanchez faced Ryan Janes on December 1, 2017, at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round.

Sanchez was expected to face Antonio Braga Neto on August 25, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 135. However, Neto was removed from the bout on August 2 for undisclosed personal issues and replaced by Markus Perez. Sanchez won the fight via unanimous decision.

Sanchez faced promotional newcomer Marc-André Barriault on May 4, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 151. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Sanchez was scheduled to face David Branch on September 14, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 16. However, it was reported that Branch was forced to pull from the event due to injury and he was replaced by Marvin Vettori. However, it was reported that Sanchez was forced to pull from the event due to an eye infection, resulting in the cancellation of the bout. In turn, the pairing was left intact and eventually took place a month later at UFC on ESPN+ 19. Sanchez lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Sanchez was scheduled to face Zak Cummings on April 25, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UFC president Dana White announced on April 9 that the event was indefinitely postponed.

Sanchez faced Wellington Turman on August 8, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 174. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Sanchez was scheduled to face André Muniz on January 24, 2021 at UFC 257. In late December, Muniz withdrew due to an injury and he was replaced by Makhmud Muradov. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round three.

Sanchez faced Bruno Silva on October 16, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 195. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round three.

On October 28, 2021, it was announced that Sanchez was no longer on the UFC roster.

Post UFC
Sanchez faced Gabriel Checco on May 20, 2022, at Eagle FC 47. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Professional Fighters League
Stepping in for a suspended fighter, Sanchez entered the 2023 season against Taylor Johnson on June 8, 2023 at PFL 4. He won the fight via split decision.

Sanchez was scheduled to face Karl Albrektsson, replacing Ibragim Chuzhigaev on June 21, 2024, at PFL 5. Subsequently, Sanchez stepped in to face 2022 PFL welterweight winner Sadibou Sy after Tom Breese withdrew at the last minute and the bout against Albrektsson was cancelled. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round.

Professional titles

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (One time) vs Wellington Turman