Former lightweight title contender Diego Sanchez (pictured left) will meet the world-ranked Paulo Thiago in a featured matchup at 170 pounds at UFC 121 “Lesnar vs. Velasquez” on Oct. 23 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. UFC officials recently finalized an 11-bout lineup for the event, which will air live on pay-per-view.
Spawned by the Constrictor Team, Thiago has not competed since June, when he lost a unanimous decision to Martin Kampmann at UFC 115. Wins over Minnesota Martial Arts Academy standout Jacob Volkmann and American Kickboxing Academy thoroughbreds Mike Swick and Josh Koscheck anchor the 29-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt’s resume. Thiago has secured more than half (eight) of his 13 career victories by submission. He has never lost consecutive fights.
A heavyweight title match between champion Brock Lesnar and undefeated challenger Cain Velasquez will headline UFC 121, along with a pivotal welterweight showdown between former Strikeforce titleholder Jake Shields and the world-ranked Kampmann. The event will also feature a light heavyweight tilt pairing Tito Ortiz with Matt Hamill and a heavyweight matchup pitting “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 10 finalist Brendan Schaub against Gabriel Gonzaga.
UFC 121 “Lesnar vs. Velasquez”
Saturday, Oct. 23
Honda Center
Anaheim, Calif.
UFC Heavyweight Championship
Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez
Jake Shields vs. Martin Kampmann
Paulo Thiago vs. Diego Sanchez
Tito Ortiz vs. Matt Hamill
Brendan Schaub vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
Court McGee vs. Ryan Jensen
Patrick Cote vs. Tom Lawlor
Michael Guymon vs. Daniel Roberts
Sam Stout vs. Paul Taylor
Dongi Yang vs. Chris Camozzi
Gilbert Yvel vs. Jon Madsen