‘Crank’ eyes fight against Diego Sanchez

Frank “The Crank” Camacho, right, joins Brazilian Jiu-jitsu instructor Steven Roberto of Purebred Guam, center, and TrenchTech’s Cuki Alvarez in one of their training sessions in Guam last month. (Contributed Photo)

Frank “The Crank” Camacho is hoping to challenge former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title contender Diego “The Dream” Sanchez when he makes his return to the octagon next year.

Camacho is still savoring his first UFC win after the pride of the Marianas snatched a split decision victory over Australian Damien “Beatdown” Brown (17-11) in last month’s UFC 121: Werdum VS Tybura at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.

It was Camacho’s 21st win after 26 fights with the 28-year-old fighter showing his striking power after earning 15 victories by way of knockout. Three of his losses were by KO with one each via submission and decision.

Sanchez (27-11, 8 KOs), who has seven wins by way of submission and 12 by decision, is the first winner of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter as he defeated Season 2 champion Joe Stevenson (33-16, 7 KOs). Four of Sanchez’s losses were by KOs, while the other seven were by decision. He has yet to lose by submission.

Camacho said UFC officials and the fight commission advised him not to accept any fights for one month due to the nature of his last bout against Brown. “It was a tough fight so the commission told me not to fight for the next 30 days.”

“I would love to fight next year and we’re trying to get Diego Sanchez. Possibly by late January or early February or maybe March at the latest. I don’t know where yet,” added Camacho in an interview with Saipan Tribune.

“We don’t know where would I be fighting next and we’re trying to see wherever they [UFC] could fit me in. They [UFC] just held a fight in China, but rumor has it that they are going to be back in the Philippines. I’m always open to wherever UFC wants me. I would love to fight in the Philippines. Filipino fight fans have always been a great crowd,” Camacho said.

The 28-year-old former CNMI junior golfer said he will be smarter and better prepared for his next fight unlike in the run up to his fight against Brown. “I’m excited for my next fight. I will be eating right and keeping my diet clean.”

“I won’t have no pressure of cutting so much weight since I plan to keep a weight of 175 lbs when I’m not fighting. I will be a lot faster, lighter, and stronger. I will be in so much better shape,” said Camacho.

Though he will go where UFC takes him, Camacho said it has been his ultimate dream to fight in the bright lights of Las Vegas, which is considered as the Mecca of fight events.

“It has always been Las Vegas. That’s where the biggest fights happen. It is the center of fighting, either MGM Grand or Mandalay Bay.”