Diego Sanchez Anticipates March Return Against Takanori Gomi

Diego Sanchez

Sanchez expecting March return, awaits Gomi decision

Diego Sanchez is targeting a March return against "The Fireball Kid".

On Tuesday, Sanchez posted on his twitter profile that he is anticipating a fight with Japanese fighter Takanori Gomi.

Might have a fight lined up for march 2nd... Just waiting on the man Joe Silva to see if Mr. Fireball kid takes it? #japan #yesyesyes

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) November 23, 2012

The fight would take place on the "UFC on FUEL TV 8" card, which is set for Gomi's home turf in Japan on March 3 at Saitama Super Arena. UFC officials have not yet announced the matchup.

A March booking would mark the first time Sanchez has competed since his last contest, a unanimous decision loss to Jake Ellenberger in the main event of the inaugural "UFC on FUEL TV" event this past February. Before the loss, Sanchez rattled off wins against Martin Kampmann and Paulo Thiago. He has not competed at lightweight since a 2009 loss to B.J. Penn for the lightweight title at UFC 107.

Gomi, meanwhile, looks to build off his first two-fight win streak since signing with the UFC almost three years ago. His last fight in Japan resulted in a knockout win over Eiji Mitsuoka at UFC 144. That victory was followed by his recent split-decision win against Mac Danzig at "UFC on FUEL TV 6" earlier this month in Macau. Danzig and he earned "Fight of the Night" honors for the back-and-forth contest.