Diego Sanchez makes a special needs fan's dream come true with awesome gesture

UFC lightweight Diego Sanchez usually doesn’t lay down for anybody. But at the Isleta Casino and Resort in Albuquerque on Friday, the winner of the first installment of “The Ultimate Fighter” did exactly that against Isaac “The Shermanator” Marquez, but for good reason.

Marquez suffers from Down syndrome and has been training at Jackson Wink Academy since Sanchez invited him during a visit when the 32-year-old came by the gym to watch the pros train. The two struck a friendship and Sanchez promised his friend that he would eventually get a title fight against the tenured UFC fighter. On Friday night, Marquez’s dream came true when “The Shermanator” submitted Sanchez in the first round with an armbar.

It was one of those feel good moments where Sanchez had the opportunity to make a fan’s dreams come true. And with Marquez dedicating the fight to his late mother, the former top lightweight contender wanted to make sure that his friend had the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Most down syndrome adults don’t live past 45,” said Sanchez. ” Isaac is 32, and I just wanted to see this young man be healthy. Exercise and martial arts are one of the most healthy things you can do.”