ADCC champ who had a viral spat with Sean Strickland passes away at age 40
Orlando Sanchez, a former ADCC champion who famously engaged in a heated sparring session with Sean Strickland that went viral, died recently at the age of 40.
Sanchez died unexpectedly on December 15. His longtime gym, Gracie Barra, confirmed the tragic news via an Instagram post:
"Rest in peace, Professor Orlando Sanchez. We will always remember you. The Gracie Barra team wishes comfort in the heart of his family and friends."
Many mixed martial arts fans identified Sanchez with the heated exchange he had with the mercurial Sean Strickland. Sanchez, during their training session together, attempted a shoulder sweep on Strickland from an underhook position, which 'Tarzan' didn't seem to appreciate.
Fearing that the move could have snapped his shoulder, Sean Strickland shoved Sanchez away and fired a few punches. However, Sanchez was certain that he was only drilling a technique and had no intention of harming him.
Watch the sparring session below:
Orlando Sanchez won the ADCC World Championship in 2015, establishing his place as one of the sport's best ultra-heavyweight grapplers.
Sanchez's life has been a source of inspiration, especially for his success in overcoming drug addiction through jiu-jitsu. He became a black belt in a record-breaking four years, something unheard of in BJJ circles.
Several MMA fighters took to Twitter to react to the sad demise of the BJJ legend.
Just heard the sad news that world champion grappler Orlando Sanchez has passed away #RIP brother https://t.co/0tygUdxz3p
Was proper shocked when I heard. Such sad news. Sincere condolences to all his family. Always had positive interactions with him and his jujitsu game was incredible. RIP twitter.com/jakeshieldsajj…
What did Orlando Sanchez say about his viral sparring session with Sean Strickland?
Combat sports fans remember the sparring session between jiu-jitsu competitor Orlando Sanchez and Sean Strickland for infamous reasons.
The pair were training at the RVCA training center when the event transpired. Sanchez's submission attempts from the sparring session did not sit well with Strickland, who pushed 'The Cuban Tree Stump' away.
Following the sparring session, Sanchez spoke to FloGrappling, offering his take on the entire situation:
"This guy [Sean Strickland] just kept talking sh*t. He just kept running his mouth. He said he’d do some wrestling rounds, so the coach was like, ‘Do a round with Orlando!’ He started talking stupid stuff about jiu-jitsu and goes, ‘Regardless of who you are or what you’ve done, I’m still going to beat you up.’ It didn’t bother me, but I was like, 'Is he talking to me?”
Sanchez added:
“It’s all good, it’s all love. You can’t expect to say, ‘I’m going to beat you up,’ and not expect anything. I got hundreds of messages saying [he] is a bully and goes around beating people up.”
Check out the video below: