UFC
Diego Sanchez signs new eight-fight UFC deal, meets Myles Jury at UFC 171 in Dallas
Dec 12, 2013 - 11:40:01 AM Diego Sanchez signs new eight-fight UFC deal, meets Myles Jury at UFC 171 in Dallas

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Despite losing a decision in what was essentially a one-sided fight at UFC 166, Diego Sanchez has signed a new eight-fight deal with the UFC, and he's got his first fight set as well.

News of the new contract was reported on Wednesday's UFC Tonight program on Fox Sports 1, while the UFC announced on Thursday that he'll take on fellow TUF vet Myles Jury at UFC 171.

Sanchez was the first ever winner of The Ultimate Fighter, and is a one-time Title challenger in the UFC's lightweight division. He dropped back down this year after a loss to Jake Ellenberger in February, but missed weight before his split decision win over Takanori Gomi.

That was another controversial decision win in his favor, but it led to a fight with former Strikeforce Champ Gilbert Melendez. Sanchez's toughness allowed him to survive barrage after barrage in that fight in Houston, and he finally added a spark for himself in the third when he knocked Melendez down. However, the vast majority of the offense landed in the fight came from Melendez.

As for Jury, he's in need of an exciting fight after a dull bout with Mike Ricci in his last outing. That fight kept the 25-year-old undefeated at 13-0, but dragged his stock down a bit following the exciting knockout he'd had in his previous outing against Ramsey Nijem.

UFC 171 takes place in Dallas, Texas, on March 15, headlined by the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout between Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira.

Penick's Analysis: This fight isn't going to light people on fire or anything, and some may be disappointed in the move down the ladder for Sanchez given how much praise was heaped upon the October fight. That said, this is the right level of opponent for him to fight right now. He's clearly not a title contender, and giving someone like Jury a chance to take another step up against an established veteran is the right move. Sanchez is firmly being placed into gatekeeper status, but with a new eight fight deal in place the UFC is going to keep him around for a while as long as he excites the fans.