Andrew Sanchez

Andrew William Sanchez (born April 8, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Light heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 2012, he has formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Professional Fighters League (PFL), and Resurrection Fighting Alliance.

He won his entry fight against Phil Hawes via unanimous decision. Next up, he defeated Myron Dennis via unanimous decision.

In the semifinals, he defeated Eric Spicely by knockout in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Sanchez made his promotional debut on July 8, 2016, at UFC The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale in the Light Heavyweight finals against Khalil Rountree. He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision with the score card of (30-25, 30–25, 30–26).

Sanchez next faced Trevor Smith in a middleweight bout on December 9, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 102. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Sanchez faced Anthony Smith on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24. He lost the fight via knockout due to a combination of knee and punches in the third round.

Sanchez faced Ryan Janes on December 1, 2017, at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round.

Sanchez was expected to face Antonio Braga Neto on August 25, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 135. However, Neto was removed from the bout on August 2 for undisclosed personal issues and replaced by Markus Perez. Sanchez won the fight via unanimous decision.

Sanchez faced promotional newcomer Marc-André Barriault on May 4, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 151. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Sanchez was scheduled to face David Branch on September 14, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 16. However, it was reported that Branch was forced to pull from the event due to injury and he was replaced by Marvin Vettori. However, it was reported that Sanchez was forced to pull from the event due to an eye infection, resulting in the cancellation of the bout. In turn, the pairing was left intact and eventually took place a month later at UFC on ESPN+ 19. Sanchez lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Sanchez was scheduled to face Zak Cummings on April 25, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UFC president Dana White announced on April 9 that the event was indefinitely postponed.

Sanchez faced Wellington Turman on August 8, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 174. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Sanchez was scheduled to face André Muniz on January 24, 2021 at UFC 257. In late December, Muniz withdrew due to an injury and he was replaced by Makhmud Muradov. Sanchez lost the fight via technical knockout in round three.

Sanchez faced Bruno Silva on October 16, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 195. Sanchez lost the fight via technical knockout in round three.

On October 28, 2021, it was announced that Sanchez was no longer on the UFC roster.

Eagle Fighting Championship Sanchez faced Gabriel Checco on May 20, 2022, at Eagle FC 47. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Professional Fighters League Stepping in for a suspended fighter, Sanchez entered the 2023 season against Taylor Johnson on June 8, 2023 at PFL 4. He won the fight via split decision.

Sanchez was scheduled to face Karl Albrektsson, replacing Ibragim Chuzhigaev on June 21, 2024, at PFL 5. Subsequently, Sanchez stepped in to face 2022 PFL welterweight winner Sadibou Sy after Tom Breese withdrew at the last minute and the bout against Albrektsson was cancelled. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round.

Sanchez faced Impa Kasanganay on August 21, 2025, at PFL 10. He lost the bout via technical knockout in the third round.

Championships and accomplishments Professional titles Ultimate Fighting Championship The Ultimate Fighter 23 Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner Performance of the Night (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Impa Kasanganay TKO (punches) PFL 10 (2025)

Hollywood, Florida, United States Loss

Sadibou Sy TKO (punches) PFL 5 (2024)

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Win

Taylor Johnson Decision (split) PFL 4 (2023)

Atlanta, Georgia, United States Win

Gabriel Checco Decision (unanimous) Eagle FC 47

Miami, Florida, United States Loss

Bruno Silva TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Ladd vs. Dumont

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Makhmud Muradov TKO (flying knee and punches) UFC 257

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Wellington Turman KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleinik

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Marvin Vettori Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Joanna vs. Waterson

Tampa, Florida, United States Win

Marc-André Barriault Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Win

Markus Perez Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Vick

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States Loss

Ryan Janes TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: A New World Champion Finale

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Anthony Smith KO (head kick and punches) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis

Kansas City, Missouri, United States Win

Trevor Smith Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Abdurakhimov

Albany, New York, United States Win

Khalil Rountree Jr. Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia Finale

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

John Poppie TKO (spinning back fist and punches) RFA 28

St. Louis, Missouri, United States Win

Clinton Williams TKO (punches) RFA 26

Broomfield, Colorado, United States Loss

Kevin Casey KO (punches) RFA 15

Los Angeles, California, United States Win

Miles Marshall TKO (punches) RFA 13

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States Win

Todd Meredith TKO (punches) RFA 11

Broomfield, Colorado, United States Loss

Dustin Jacoby Decision (split) Capital City Cage Wars: The Uprising

Springfield, Illinois, United States Win

Thomas Jones TKO (punches) TTP: Tommy Tran Promotions

Branson, Missouri, United States Win

Darryl Cobb Submission (rear-naked choke) FHMMA: Fight Hard MMA

St. Charles, Missouri, United States Win

Edward Smith Submission (rear-naked choke) CC 38: Cage Championships 38

Sullivan, Missouri, United States Win

Eric Spicely KO (punches)

Win

Myron Dennis Decision (unanimous)

Win

Phil Hawes Decision (unanimous)