Are Diego Sanchez's days as a brawler finally done starting at UFC 171?

DALLAS – Diego Sanchez is one of MMA’s most beloved fighters for one reason: The man seems to know no other strategy than attack. But could that be changing?

“To be the champion of the UFC, you have to be an elite, high-level, effective, professional kickboxer,” Sanchez said. “You have to be the best of the best on your feet, and so I’ve gone to the drawing board.”

Sanchez (24-6 MMA, 14-6 UFC) meets undefeated up-and-comer Myles Jury (13-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) on the pay-per-view broadcast main card of Saturday’s “UFC 171: Hendricks vs. Lawler” event from Dallas’ American Airlines Center.

Sanchez said his revised gameplan includes refocusing on his wrestling abilities, utilizing improved footwork and seeking to avoid blows and counterattack rather than simply walk through them in hopes of taking one to give two.

There’s nothing illogical about the approach. Quite the contrary, in fact. But after delivering memorable war after memorable war in his recent appearances, will this new strategy prove satisfying to fans? And will Sanchez be able to remain true to his plan when the bell sounds?

Time will tell. In the meantime, check out more from Sanchez in the video above.

For the latest on UFC 171, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.