Donald Sanchez is ready to make history.
On Friday, he’ll take on BKFC World Light-Heavyweight Champion David Mundell in the Main Event of BKFC 75, LIVE worldwide on The BKFC App from the legendary Tingley Coliseum in Sanchez’s hometown of Albuquerque, NM.
This is Sanchez’s sixth trip to the Squared Circle since the former MMA champ signed with the organization in 2023. It goes without saying that this is the biggest challenge — and opportunity — of his tenure with the world’s fastest growing combat sports promotion.
Mundell is one of the most dominant fighters in BKFC history. He is 9-1 on the strength of seven straight wins. Mundell struck gold in the talent-rich BKFC light-heavyweight division with a third-round stoppage victory over Francesco Ricchi at BKFC 34. He's successfully defended his belt three times with a trio of second-round finishes over Mike Richman, Doug Coltrane and Danny Christie.
Sanchez is well aware of the implications of Friday’s showdown with Mundell, who sits atop the media’s BKFC Pound-for-Pound rankings. He’s been calling for his shot at the champ for some time, and he’s approaching this matchup with the same intensity that earned him victories in his four most recent bouts.
“I’ve been manifesting this. I’ve been building myself for this opportunity and training for it. I’ve just had to get through who they’ve put in front of me, and now I’m at the top of the division,” he says.
“I’ve been vocal about wanting this fight for a long time, and this is just perfect timing. I’m better than I’ve ever been. Nothing is different in my preparations or how I’m approaching this fight because I know what got me here. I’ve just been working hard and getting better.”
Sanchez expects a finish on Friday evening in New Mexico. He wants to emphatically strike gold in front of his hometown fans.
“(Mundell) has never been pressured by somebody like me, so we’re going to test that out and push him to his limit. He says I’m not on his level, but I’m right here and I’m going to show everyone that I’m the best in the division,” he says.
“I’m not trying to talk (expletive), but the guys he’s fought just aren’t the same as I am,” he adds. “I’m a different animal. I know that’s what they say about (Mundell), but I truly am. I’ve fought everybody they’ve put in front of me.”
Sanchez is counting down the minutes until BKFC Founder/President David Feldman wraps the belt around his waist for the first time.
“I can’t wait,” he says. “It’s been a long time coming, and I’m just ready. See it, believe it, touch it.”
