×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Sunday
18
Jan 2026
weather symbol
Athens 6°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> World

Watch MMA fighter fight huge fan suffering from Down Syndrome in emotional match (video)

Isaac wins bout against his trainer

Newsroom December 7 05:49

MMA athletes are known for their fierce competitiveness and toughness inside the ring, but Diego Sanchez revealed the kindness of the brutal sport when he made the dream of a fan suffering from Down Syndrom come true. The 35-year-old fighter stepped into the octagon with a die-hard fan named Isaac Marquez making the dream of Issac who has down syndrome come true. The two first met at the beginning of the year when Isaac Marquez visited Diego’s gym, just to see what it was like inside and to watch a workout. The “leopard”, as Diego is known, approached him and asked him if he liked MMA. “You just came to see or want to train already”, Diego asked Isaac, who responded he would like to start training.

Since then the two have become inseparable, as Diego Sanchez is his personal coach. “People with Down Syndrome do not have more than 45 years of life. Isaac is 32 and I want this young man to stay healthy. Practice and martial arts help make it happen”, he said. Eventually, the two decided to face off in the cage, in a match the touched the hearts of all the fans who watched it. to the delight of Isaac. Isaac “The Shermanator” Marquez submitted his mentor in the bout.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#Down syndrome#MMA
> More World

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Erfan Soltani confirmed alive by Iranian Human Rights Group after days of uncertainty

January 18, 2026

Rescue operation underway for eight hikers on Mount Taygetus; four injured

January 18, 2026

Piers Morgan recovering in hospital after serious fall in London

January 18, 2026

Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ agenda: From talks with farmers’ representatives to Davos for investment outreach

January 18, 2026

Iraq veterans report long-term health concerns after a lack of medical screening for toxic exposure

January 18, 2026

Skirtsos: ‘After years of efforts, the first results on maritime safety are starting to become visible’

January 18, 2026

Politico: Europe for the first time considers tough response to Trump on Greenland tariffs, what is the Anti-Brexit Act

January 18, 2026

The backstory behind Trump’s decision not to attack Iran: The camps in the White House, the SMS from Tehran, and the calls from Arab allies

January 18, 2026
All News

> Greece

Rescue operation underway for eight hikers on Mount Taygetus; four injured

A rescue operation is in progress for a group of hikers stranded in a difficult and inaccessible area near the “Profitis Ilias” summit on Mount Taygetus

January 18, 2026

Akylas receives rave reviews for his Eurovision 2026 Greek final entry: “We might actually win with this little gem,” Fans write

January 18, 2026

The global era of Messinia: How the film Odyssey and the lists of major media praise it for 2026

January 18, 2026

Weather: Why the new cold wave brings little snow until Tuesday – Stronger weather deterioration expected from Wednesday

January 18, 2026

Weather: A return to winter in the coming days – Cold and strong northerly winds – Kolydas’ post

January 17, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα