Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in MMAJunkie.com.
Diego SanchezHis bare-knuckle boxing debut against Austin Trout was given the green light to proceed after submitting additional medical exams.
In a special hearing Tuesday attended by virtual MMA Junkie, the New Mexico Sports Commission approved a fight between the UFC legend and former boxing champion at the upcoming BKFC: KnuckleMania 3 event in Albuquerque with a 3-1 vote.
The meeting was the second in recent weeks to discuss the prospect of a match against New Mexico’s salmon Sanchez. On December 21, the fight was discussed as part of the event permit approval process, but commissioner Jerome O’Connell expressed concern about Sanchez’s health – particularly in regards to the level of objection.
Just announced for #KnuckleMania3!
THE BIGGEST BATTLE SPORT EVENT EVER IN New Mexico!@NoDoubtTrout compare to @DiegoSanchezUFC
Friday, February 17 at the Tingley Coliseum in Alb, NM!
Tickets are on sale at https://t.co/T7kPpEYA4h pic.twitter.com/xfVBr0YjNY– Bernie Bahrmasel (@BernieBahrmasel) January 10, 2023
Since the first hearing, Sanchez and his manager, Ricky Kottenstette, submitted additional medical tests including brain magnetic resonance imaging and neurological exams, which led to the approval of all. committee members voted with the exception of O’Connell. He said external regulators have expressed concerns to NMAC about Sanchez.
“(Concern) for me revolves around Diego Sanchez’s longstanding interest in neurological and concussion problems, as well as his interest in brain damage articles and interviews, ‘ said O’Connell. “For me, those things cannot be alleviated by magnetic resonance imaging and neurology reporting. I have some of the same reservations we talked about when we last met.
“…I am convinced that there are interests outside of our bodies in this war. That gave me pause.
While Sanchez did not speak on Tuesday’s call, he came before the committee at the December 21 meeting and attributed many online concerns with his former manager, Joshua Fabia, as rumored. Sanchez said he’s concerned about his long-term health and has checked himself in to make sure there are no serious problems.
Both Sanchez, 41, and Trout, 37, will make their BKFC debut on February 17 at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque. Main card line on BareKnuckle TV after the preliminary round YouTube.
Since leaving the UFC in 2021, Sanchez has competed in MMA once. In Eagle FC 46you give a competitive outing lost to Kevin Lee. In the last six MMA fights, Sanchez has won 3-3 over Michel Pereira, Mickey Gall and Craig White.
Trout is a former WBA lightweight middleweight champion with a 35-5 record. He signed with BKFC in November and is on a five-fight winning streak in professional boxing.
Immediately after being approved by the committee, BKFC announced Trout vs. Sanchez on social media. It will probably be the co-main event for an already announced event Lorenzo Hunt vs Mike Richman title fight.
