Joby Sanchez
David Joby Sanchez (born June 24, 1991) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division of the Legacy Fighting Alliance. A professional mixed martial artist since 2011, Sanchez has also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Background. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sanchez started kickboxing at the age of seven, then began training Kajukenbo at the age of 10. He was a standout wrestler in high school at valley high school finishing as state runner-up in his weight division as a senior. Sanchez attended Central New Mexico Community College, where  and became certified as an EMT. Mixed martial arts career. Early career. Sanchez began competing as an amateur in mixed martial arts in 2009 and made his professional debut in 2011 competing in regional promotions primarily as a bantamweight in his home state of New Mexico. He compiled an undefeated record of 6-0, before signing with the UFC in the summer of 2014 on the heels of TKO stoppage victory over Antonio Banuelos. Ultimate Fighting Championship. Sanchez made his promotional debut as a short notice replacement against Wilson Reis on August 23, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 49, filling  in for an injured Tim Elliott. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Sanchez faced Tateki Matsuda on January 18, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 59. Sanchez defeated Matsuda in a back and forth fight via split decision. Sanchez was expected to face Justin Scoggins on December 11, 2015 at . However, Scoggins pulled out of the fight in the week leading up to the event and was replaced by Geane Herrera. After a back-and-forth two rounds, Sanchez lost the bout via TKO in the end of the second round and was subsequently released from the promotion. After re -signing with the UFC, Sanchez faced Roberto Sanchez on February 18, 2018 at . He lost the fight in the first round by submission. Sanchez faced Mark De La Rosa on November 10, 2018 replacing Jordan Espinosa, at UFC Fight Night 139. He lost the fight via split decision. Post-UFC career. After being cut from the UFC, Sanchez signed a contract with Legacy Fighting Alliance, making his debut against Demetrius Wilson at LFA 58 on January 25, 2019. Sanchez won the fight via unanimous decision. Sanchez fought Brandon Royval at LFA 65 on May 3, 2019, losing the bout via  submission due to an armbar in the first round. Stepping in to replace injured Andre Morera, Sanchez headlined Combate Americas' event against José Alday on October 11, 2019. Sanchez won the back-and-forth bout via unanimous decision. Sanchez was expected to face Dani Barez at a Combate Americas' event on December 7, 2019. However, Sanchez withdrew from the bout citing an injury.