Diego Sanchez And The Dangerous Road Of Sports Fame
by Brent Brookhouse on Feb 13, 2012 11:01 AM EST
in UFC Editorial
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We don't often hear about the perils of life outside the cage as a UFC star, but Diego Sanchez has become firmly established as one of MMA's great cautionary tales. A recent article on Sanchez, who fights Jake Ellenberger this Wednesday at UFC on Fuel TV, discusses several of the issues that saw Diego hit near rock bottom.
"I got sucked real deep into the fame and the money," Sanchez said recently on The MMA Hour. "I was a bachelor and I got sucked into a bad life of partying. I got really into smoking weed, drinking, partying. After my Clay Guida fight, I went down a bad path, man. It was just not a good path. After my loss to B.J. Penn it just got worse. I got really out of control."
...
"To make it worse, one of my best friends completely robbed me blind...Set me up and embezzled me for about $150,000."
...
"In February of 2010, I had hit rock bottom, completely. I was broke. I was down and out, man," Sanchez recalled. "This guy had run me dry. The money had I set away to pay taxes, I was $230,000 in debt with the I.R.S."
Sanchez also talks about being lied to by a woman who said that her child was Diego's. After years of raising the child as his own, it turned out that Diego was not the baby's father.
I wrote about this last August, but even guys like Manny Pacquiao, who make millions of dollars per fight, are basically going broke. His trainer, Freddie Roach, said that Manny burns through money at an incredible rate because of his political "career" as well as his basically supporting a small army of hangers on who he flies everywhere with him, puts them up in hotels, pays for all of their expenses and so on.
As I said then, it's easy for fans to scoff and talk abut how they would never have problems if they made the money professional athletes pull. But, if it were really that simple would we see it happen over and over again to these athletes. Fame comes to these people at a young age or it comes to people who didn't have much growing up and they aren't really fully equipped to handle it.
Diego says that he has now "put everything in god's hands." But I can only hope that he also put some of it in the hands of better mortal advisers so that he ends up with a nice life ahead of him.
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Brock and Fedor got it figured out
Make big money, live modestly, keep big money.
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 11:06 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I wouldn't be shocked if M-1 was screwing over Fedor.
by HaterSlayer on Feb 13, 2012 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Fedor controls the biggest "share" of M1, though, right?
I’d be surprised if anyone in M1 was trying to screw him over because Fedor has the red phone to Putin and Kadryov.
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Last I read was that Fedor has a 10% stake in M-1. Plus, if It’s true that m-1’s biggelt share holder really is this semi mobster then Fedor isn’t save except for divine intervention if M-1 would decide to screw him over.
by basvanderwolk on Feb 13, 2012 12:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well that's more than I know on the subject
/over and out
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
As a former Comm guy I can tell you
schm1583 knows what he’s talking about.
Learn JiuJitsu.
Semper Fi'
Cortez Kennedy is in the Hall Of Fame!!!!!!!! WE DID IT!
I can't watch war movies anymore
they’re all redonk.
Learn JiuJitsu.
Semper Fi'
Cortez Kennedy is in the Hall Of Fame!!!!!!!! WE DID IT!
Unless I was referring to my junk and it's position in relation to my waistband
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
BEEP "My junk is out, and it's hanging over my wrist.
I say again
My junk is out, and it’s hanging over my wrist.
menckenstein out" BEEP
Learn JiuJitsu.
Semper Fi'
Cortez Kennedy is in the Hall Of Fame!!!!!!!! WE DID IT!
"You like my new watch?"
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
"Can you read my watch?"
Gasp “That’s your dick!”
“Yeah. :)”
“OMG that is soooo funny, you have to show my boyfriend.”
“OK where is he?”
Learn JiuJitsu.
Semper Fi'
Cortez Kennedy is in the Hall Of Fame!!!!!!!! WE DID IT!
Beep beep
SWEEP
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
I know what you mean.
Learn JiuJitsu.
Semper Fi'
Cortez Kennedy is in the Hall Of Fame!!!!!!!! WE DID IT!
That horse needs a haircut.
Fuckin hippie!
Learn JiuJitsu.
Semper Fi'
Cortez Kennedy is in the Hall Of Fame!!!!!!!! WE DID IT!
regardless of what percentage he owns in the company, you have to wonder how profitable M-1 really is overall. at least by most accounts he does live a rather simple life.
"It's not cute anymore. I feel like I'm watching a homeless man try to eat a brick for a dollar."
-Seanbaby
by Victor Rodriguez on Feb 13, 2012 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
#howcouldyousaysuchathing?
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
I agree.
After seeing a bunch of interviews with that creepy dude (who runs it) I’ve long expected to find out that like a year after being done fighting Fedor is basically broke and was robbed blind. Russian mafia connections just do NOT make for a great retirement plan.
I thought Lay N Pray was a stupid insult until I watched Tyron Woodley fight.
Yeah
You come from a poor area and then everyone knows you’re making money and some cases all of them know exactly how much you’re making. You also don’t want to leave your family members in some dangerous ass project so it is easy to go broke trying to take care of lots of people.
Hidden Paydays
Dana always says it, and I think that this is proof that concealing a big chunk of pay is a good thing. I’m sure some of these guys brag to their buddies about how much they make, but the more people that know, the more are after a piece of the pie. If everyone knew how much some of these main eventers were getting instead of the disclosed 150-250k, there would be 100x more leaches trying to get a piece of the pie.
if turning your life around
makes you switch nickname to one of the worst ones ever, I would encourage more young athletes who loose control to keep losing it.
yes, nicknames are everything to me.
Now I've switched signature to this one.
by the guy with the big nose on Feb 13, 2012 11:17 AM EST reply actions
Patrick Ewing Said It Best
“We might make a lot of money but, we also spend a lot of money.”
by Drops on Feb 13, 2012 11:20 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Antoine will play for food
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
you mean
‘jack horrible 26 footers for food?’
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
5 years - $150,000
Antoine doesn’t care about feeding his kids, unlike some role models.
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
i didnt understand any of that
but i loved the pic! i was in the building when he choked pj, too.
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Sprewell rejected a 3 yr $23 mil contract because he said it wasn't enough to "feed his kids"
Nobody picked him up.
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
DAD-PASS THOSE FRIES! FO' FREE!!!!
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
just might makes this my avatar when i go home...
by PeopleWatching on Feb 13, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
"Hah Hah Hah."
“I know that laugh.”
Learn JiuJitsu.
Semper Fi'
Cortez Kennedy is in the Hall Of Fame!!!!!!!! WE DID IT!
That sort of thing is so absurd.
But people tend to spend what they have. Athletes are the worst offenders just because how the scale in which they do it in.
"You've got Floyd Mayweather making $25 million. He can't stop a double-leg..." Nick Diaz.
athletes think that they are going to make pro-athlete money until they are 65, when the reality is that most are only going to make that type of money for a few years at the most. who’s going to make koschecks mansion payment when he is 55?
Yeah, it's all short term thinking.
Also, it’s kind of tough to keep things in perspective if one day you’re this highschool kid who comes from a typical family, then the next day you can afford whatever you want thanks to the NBA. You really would have to have had great parents who raised you right and keep you grounded in order for you not to go off the deep end.
"You've got Floyd Mayweather making $25 million. He can't stop a double-leg..." Nick Diaz.
like a wearable stain-glass window.
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
I'm going to go out on a limb here.
But, he just might to go want to go on Maury and get a couple of paternity tests.
by Steve W on Feb 13, 2012 6:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
"Shits just sad."
You know that without the apostrophe it means something else, right?
And it is awesome.
The Internets: Where there are no girls and men become children.
Proud Member of INEPT: 80% More IntellEgent than y'all, WANKERZ.
Draft #: 69--The magic number.
by Unabomberman on Feb 13, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
The sentence about Diego raising the baby only to find out the baby was not his made me feel bad for Diego. While I don’t think he’ll beat Ellenberger, I hope that he gets a Fight of the Night bonus.
Check out the C&D Channel on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/Gobusiness123 for MMA reviews, predictions, analysis, and other MMA related content.
yea thats some real dirt he was dealt there.
by PeopleWatching on Feb 13, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
A whole year without a paternity test?
Diego’s not coming across as the most clever fella.
by WheelieMonkey on Feb 13, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
but the kid looked just like him!
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Stop posting Subo's baby pictures
Greatest lover ever during the day, Trainyard Sleeper at night.
by IRodC on Feb 13, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Can you blame him? God had his back. Wait, wut?
"You've got Floyd Mayweather making $25 million. He can't stop a double-leg..." Nick Diaz.
It’s called a paternity test if you have any questions at all. Maybe he didn’t and that completely sucks if true, but honestly when you are making money like that and somebody says they are having your kid maybe you should have questions.
by Empty Thoughts on Feb 13, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
The situation sucks to me regardless, but it was not smart of Diego not to have questions.
Check out the C&D Channel on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/Gobusiness123 for MMA reviews, predictions, analysis, and other MMA related content.
by chrisbboy82 on Feb 13, 2012 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
It’s shocking how financially illiterate even most college graduates from an upper-middle class background are, let alone young professional athletes who devote most of their attention to training their particular sport. We need to start teaching kids simple concepts about personal finance no later than junior high when earning money becomes a potential reality, because the education is clearly not happening at home for the majority of kids.
by Charlie Custer on Feb 13, 2012 11:25 AM EST reply actions
That’s why the world is in the crapper right now. People aren’t financially responsible when they first enter adulthood between maxing out credit cards with 20% APR and taking out student loans to attend an expensive private school for a BS liberal arts degree.
by BeefSupreme on Feb 13, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Man, people really shit on the Liberal Arts program, huh?
The Internets: Where there are no girls and men become children.
Proud Member of INEPT: 80% More IntellEgent than y'all, WANKERZ.
Draft #: 69--The magic number.
by Unabomberman on Feb 13, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i agree.
the only thing that my parents taught me about finance was to go to work everyday and save what you can. it’s sound advice, but definitely not the path to financial freedom.
at the same time,
i know plenty of peolpe that have been on the brink of financial ruin and haven’t learned a single lesson from the experience. they find themselves in trouble again within a few months.
She used to be gorgeous. Faith hasn’t worked out for her.
Chael Sonnen has finished 1 of his 14 UFC & WEC fights.
by sexysassytravismmafan on Feb 13, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
When will women's culture
figure out that we like natural beauty more than…this?
BECW Season 1 Champs - K-1 Level Predictions Team
BECW Season 2 - Cecil Peoples Champs
Because you don't.
Have you actually taken a look around at what normal people look like?
by WheelieMonkey on Feb 13, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
There are plenty of fairly normal women who are more attractive than porn stars when the make up comes off.
by discoandherpes on Feb 13, 2012 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
When will men's culture
figure out that women don’t need to style themselves based on the approval of men?
Aw man why was my gif deleted?
Ballad of Chasey Lain joke destroyed.
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
its too bad. being a 1099 can SUCK!
especially with a sporadic income, which is the case most the time for 1099’s.
You have to put that taxe money away and not spend it, 33% is uncle sams, every fucking week, and I’m stilling hitting potholes on my way to work.
Seriously don't take me serious. Seriously....
wonder if they even report uncle danas bonuses though.
probably not.
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
I'm sure they do
Since Zuffa would report paying it to the IRS
Cecil People's Champs
Still the head conductor of the Charles Oliveira hype train.
We might see the unstoppable Diego comeback
opening up his career 17-0
"When you believe in something and you're a good person...things happen" - Junior Dos Santos
After he lands the lead hook..
He sprints toward Joe Riggs and lands a perfectly timed knee
that’s killer instinct.
"When you believe in something and you're a good person...things happen" - Junior Dos Santos
by Elitex10x on Feb 13, 2012 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
That was a really impressive finish right there.
I thought Lay N Pray was a stupid insult until I watched Tyron Woodley fight.
Chris Rock said it best
Men lie the most, women tell the biggest lies. A man’s lie will be like, “I was at Tony’s house. I… I was at Kenny’s house.” A woman’s lie will be like, “it’s yo baby!”
by sorakray on Feb 13, 2012 12:12 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Diego. Buddy. If a girl came to me and said her baby was mine, the first words out of my mouth would be:
“Paternity test. Now.” No way she sees a dime until that happens.
"You've got Floyd Mayweather making $25 million. He can't stop a double-leg..." Nick Diaz.
Maybe he was in a (he thought) monogamous relationship with this woman?
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
mr. sanchez, we have the results of your paternity test.
yes, apparently the fathers name is, uh, greg jackson?
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
Nah.
Greg Jackson’s game plans lack finish.
"You've got Floyd Mayweather making $25 million. He can't stop a double-leg..." Nick Diaz.
by pud333 on Feb 13, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 12 recs
Fuck. Yeah.
Zing!
I thought Lay N Pray was a stupid insult until I watched Tyron Woodley fight.
Jackson: Maury, you see Diego was having trouble finishing and...
Menckenstein:
(noun)
Definition: a traditional doll crafted from the stomach hair of obese, unkempt, typically diabetic men who suck at fighting. This type of doll is commonly crafted in the deep South and seems to be exclusively purchased by fans of the NBA franchise the LA Lakers, who believe the dolls give them the power to be as cool as Celtics fans.
Daniel James Miller Foundation - Please donate, every penny helps.
by menckenstein on Feb 13, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
Could be. Could be Diego is no brain trust also.
"You've got Floyd Mayweather making $25 million. He can't stop a double-leg..." Nick Diaz.
by pud333 on Feb 13, 2012 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
This makes me sad
I just hope Diego’s biggest paydays aren’t behind him. I like his work ethic and I think he’s put on some amazing fights.
Sad but true
Like the way he fights but he ain’t the sharpest cat
by rolandd on Feb 13, 2012 12:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
he set aside $230,000 to pay the IRS
but he decided not to pay them. instead, he told his buddy to hold on to the money for him? and now we know why the TUF 1 house made fun of him for being “less than intelligent”.
We already knew that
from the things he said on the show. He’s clearly not that bright.
Can't Teach Common Sense
It would’ve been great to be a fly on the wall during the investment opportunity presentation where Diego got setup to lose $150K. I’m sure it was something that anyone with a brain could see was a scam.
Not sure why they have such a hard time understanding this. No skills outside of MMA, haven’t’ leveraged MMA to set themselves up post-fighting, and can’t fight forever.
Let’s see here.
by davebo on Feb 13, 2012 12:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Am I allowed to speculate about cocaine use? When someone parties their way out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s usually involved somehow.
Waiting for another great Diaz quote so I can get it in my sig first.
You can waste A LOT of money very fast in upscale nightclubs (although there definitely tends to be nose candy floating around those kinds of scenes).
I would have a horseshoe surgically implanted in my ass just so Brock would pull it out and beat me over the head with it while I pleasure myself.
Please visit the
Daniel James Miller Foundation and donate.
maybe his 'friend' was rampage jackson
and he was supporting his grey goose addiction?
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
nah. Rampage gets his drinks from F.U.B.A.R.
"It's not cute anymore. I feel like I'm watching a homeless man try to eat a brick for a dollar."
-Seanbaby
by Victor Rodriguez on Feb 13, 2012 5:49 PM EST up reply actions
leave my ex-wife out of this you bastard!
BECW S2: BUS FEEDERS PICK#73
by gspmademegay on Feb 13, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
God is pointing you to the ol' H&R block Diego.
I would have a horseshoe surgically implanted in my ass just so Brock would pull it out and beat me over the head with it while I pleasure myself.
Please visit the
Daniel James Miller Foundation and donate.
i’m just glad he was able to get out of that mess and is in a better place in his life.
there’s no way i can hate on a dude like that.
fuck the haters. Go Diego, Go!!
"It's not cute anymore. I feel like I'm watching a homeless man try to eat a brick for a dollar."
-Seanbaby
by Victor Rodriguez on Feb 13, 2012 5:51 PM EST reply actions
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