There are a lot of people who have become heroes during the coronavirus pandemic, but Sanchez believes that fighters like himself will become the unsung heroes of the pandemic.
“I think we’re going to be seen as heroes,” Sanchez told MMA Junkie. “A lot of people are against it. We’ve got to take our necessary precautions. That’s the beautiful thing about being a martial artist and a fighter. This isn’t a team sport. This is us in a ring, and this is how we provide for ourselves. We’ve got to be able to fight to make a living. We’ve got to be able to train to take care of ourselves. Otherwise, what else are we going to do? We aren’t basketball players or football players, etc., who get signed to million dollar deals or guaranteed money whether we play or we don’t. We have to fight to make a living, so we’re really going to be the unsung heroes here.”
Sanchez was supposed to fight Daniel Weichel at the canceled Bellator 241 event, with the bout being a part of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix.
The promotion could be running events next month with no fans in attendance, which is something that Sanchez is fine with.
“I’m all open for (an event) with no fans,” Sanchez said. “It sucks. This is, of course, this is all about the fans and for the fans. I mean, I love to fight no matter what. A million people or no people, we’ve got to do what we got to do. Either way, these fights will be broadcasted for DAZN or all the live streams that they have for all the fans. I’m really looking forward to go out there and fight.”
Bellator MMA doesn’t have another event on their schedule until October, but that could all change if the empty arena events plan comes through.
