The 2021 incident involving Sean Strickland and Orlando Sanchez during a sparring match is well-known in the MMA community. It occurred during a training session, where the two fighters were sparring together. The controversy arose when Orlando Sanchez, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, executed a move on Strickland which Strickland considered to be overly aggressive and potentially dangerous, especially for a sparring session, and especially when one of them (Strickland) has an upcoming UFC fight (as he mentioned in the video).

In the video it looks like Orlando was trying to punch Sean Strickland in the mid-section but what was happening was Orlando Sanchez was trying to crank Sean's elbow joint. Sean of course got angry and got fed up after the second attempt. The second attempt was ESPECIALLY egregious since Sean's arm was securely locked inside Orlando's armpit.

For the most part, fans and people who train alike thought Orlando was in the wrong. But as you can see in the video below, Orlando Sanchez had absolutely no remorse.

Shortly after the incident, Orlando Sanchez passed away due to a drug overdose. But many people are wondering who Orlando Sanchez is.

Who Was Orlando Sanchez?

Orlando Sanchez is a well-known figure in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). His prominence in the sport comes from several key achievements and characteristics:

1. Competitive Success: Sanchez achieved notable success in BJJ competitions. He is particularly recognized for being an ADCC and IBJJF champ.
2. BJJ Black Belt: As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Sanchez is highly skilled and knowledgeable in the art. BJJ black belts are respected for their technical proficiency, deep understanding of grappling techniques, and often years of dedicated training.
3. Teaching and Coaching: Like many high-level BJJ practitioners, Orlando Sanchez was also involved in teaching and coaching. He shares his expertise and experience with students, helping to develop the next generation of BJJ athletes.
4. Physical Presence: Sanchez is known for his imposing physical presence. His size and strength are notable even in the heavyweight division, where he competes. This physical attribute, combined with his technical skills, makes him a formidable competitor in grappling.
5. Personality: In addition to his achievements on the mat, Sanchez is also known for his charismatic and sometimes controversial personality. He is an outspoken and vivid character in the BJJ community, which has both added to his popularity and sometimes led to contentious moments, as seen in his incident with Sean Strickland.
6. MMA Involvement: While primarily known for his BJJ career, Sanchez has also been involved in the wider world of mixed martial arts (MMA). His grappling expertise makes him a valuable training partner and coach for MMA fighters looking to improve their ground game.