John Hathaway defeats Diego Sanchez: What does it mean for both fighters?

There is always an exaggeration of an event, story, or any happening directly after it happens.  Over time people become more rational and can objectively view options.  Therefore with the shocking result in the Sanchez/Hathaway fight we have some enormous statements being made.  Below WKR takes a look at both fighters and tries to find a middle ground on questions such as is John Hathaway the next coming of Michael Bisping Dan Hardy Paul Daley a talented British export that the UFC can market?  In addition, has Diego Sanchez fallen off the face of the Earth or was this a hiccup he can bounce back from?  We will start with the more hopeful story (because we are glass half full type of guys-not when watching our teams though) of John Hathaway.

John Hathaway:

I know Anne Hathaway is American, but when I hear that name I just think British.  Not relevant, just my two cents.  Hathaway looked fantastic on Saturday night and defeated a man considered a premier fighter prior to the night.  He is an enormous welterweight and probably has a reach advantage over almost every other fighter in the weight class.  Not only is his reach significant, but contrary to many lanky fighters, he knows how to use it to his advantage.  His lead jab and straight right were incredibly effective and prevented Diego from getting closer to land power shots or use an effective shoot because his takedown attempts were from far out. 

To continue that path, Hathaway's takedown defense was surprisingly useful.  It is no secret that wrestling on the pond is not at the same stage that it is over here in the States.  Plus, he is a "rangy" fighter which generally makes for easier takedowns due to his long legs.  However, Hathaway consistantly got his hooks in and stuffed takedown attempts from a fighter with solid takedowns.  He may not be the most technically sound wrestler, but Diego is usually effective getting his opponent to the mat.  The few times the fight hit the mat, Hathaway used is strength to power back up before Diego could obtain a dominant position.

Despite previously only making appearances on overseas cards Hathaway has beaten solid competition.  Especially for having few fights under the UFC banner.  Diego Sanchez just fought for a title at lightweight and previously made a welterweight run where he only lost to Fitch and Koscheck.  In addition to that, Rick Story's only UFC loss is to Hathaway and Paul Taylor is a decent enough competition considering it was John's second fight for the company.

Hathaway definitely dominated Sanchez, but let us relax on extreme conclusions.  Diego has gone back and forth in regards to weight classes and his lack of settling in a division probably hurts his physical condition.  It might also have implications on where his head is at.  Plus, Hathaway has not faced a solid grappler yet.  Granted his takedown defense will help with this issue and the UFC will probably hand pick match ups for him, but not seeing how he handles himself in the grappling department is a major question mark.  Bisping kept winning, but as soon as he faced a fighter that could take him down (Rashad) or knock him out (Henderson), he lost.

In addition, John is having some finishing issues at this level.  He is very young and will get stronger, quicker, and more powerful in the future, but he has three straight decisions.  Credit definitely should be given to Diego for surviving, but the knee followed by the strikes on the mat was an amazing opportunity that John did not fully capitalize on.  In the future leaving a full 15 minutes against a strong finisher leaves more opportunities for him to get Duffeed.

The path is still very, very long.  This was his first fight in the United States and he will just now start getting on main cards with consistancy.  So, we have plenty of time to wait and see on John Hathaway.

Diego Sanchez after the jump:

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Diego Sanchez:

I know Dana White wants Diego to go back to lightweight, but who knows what Diego wants.  He had stated that the lightweight cut was tough and he feels healthier at welterweight.  However, my best guess (remember, guess) is that he made a return visit to welterweight because he was so far behind BJ Penn that a title was out of reach.  However, it now appears that the welterweight division has progressed past him.  His one dimensional style was immensely effective the first time, but the division is deeper and much more versatile.  The Luigi Fioravanti, Joe Riggs, and David Bielkheden (one style) fighters are gone.  Sanchez may have a hard time in the division this time around.  Also, as mentioned before his constant shifting between weights might have something to say about where his head is at. 

It is not all bad news for Diego and this is not as detrimentle as some people might believe.  First, this is his first fight back at welterweight.  While his weight his technically back that does not mean his weight is set.  It is easy to put weight back on, but turn it into muscle and have the right type of weight is not the same thing.  More time in the division will mean he becomes more comfortable again with this body.  I think his lack of aggression in a must finish round 3 was similar to his first fight at lightweight (not comfortable yet).

Also, Diego can easily go back to lightweight if he wishes and even Dana recommended it.  It would be a lot of shifting and he would take some heat from the fan base about jumping ship every time he loses, but his only lightweight loss is to B.J. Penn.  He would also be the larger fighter in that division as opposed to Saturday night when he was dwarfed in size.

Overall I definitely think there is more of a positive gain for Hathaway than a loss for Diego.  We will see what happens in the future for both, but I am guessing you will see some style beneficial fights coming for Hathaway.