UFC Plans Hughes-Sanchez Showdown for Fall

One of the sport’s most accomplished competitors, Hughes (Pictured; File photo) last appeared at UFC 123 in November, when he was victimized by B.J. Penn in a 21-second knockout at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Mich. The defeat snapped a three-fight winning streak for the Hillsboro, Ill., native, who turns 38 in October. A two-time NCAA All-American wrestler at Eastern Illinois University, Hughes has secured 35 of his 45 career victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission. His stellar resume includes wins over Penn, fellow hall of famer Royce Gracie, current UFC welterweight king Georges St. Pierre, one-time UFC welterweight titleholder Matt Serra, former middleweight King of Pancrase Ricardo Almeida, ex-UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk and Pride Fighting Championships alum Hayato “Mach” Sakurai. Moreover, Hughes’ 18 wins in the UFC rank first all-time.

Sanchez will carry a two-fight winning streak into the match. The 29-year-old Albuquerque, N.M., native last competed at UFC Live 3 in March, when he eked out a controversial split decision against Martin Kampmann at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky. A Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts representative, Sanchez holds notable wins over two-time UFC lightweight title contender Kenny Florian, reigning Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz and former Sengoku Raiden Championship middleweight kingpin Jorge Santiago. He owns a 12-4 mark inside the Octagon.