Emmanuel Sanchez Out, Lightweight title still on the Line at APFC21
APFC has announced a major shakeup to the co-main event of APFC 21.
A medical emergency has forced former APFC Welterweight Champion Emmanuel Sanchez to withdraw from his scheduled bout for the vacant APFC Lightweight title.
APFC 21 takes place this Sunday, November 23rd, at Isleta Casino.
Acting quickly, the promotion moved to keep a Lightweight title fight on the card. Sanchez’s original opponent, James Pleasant, will now face Jess Martinez for the vacant championship.
Pleasant enters the matchup riding a five-fight winning streak, a run that includes capturing titles in both AFL and RUF. Those bouts have provided the Texan with valuable experience as he continues his rise through the regional ranks. At 6’3”, Pleasant is a towering presence for the division and brings finishing ability no matter where the fight goes.
Santa Fe’s Martinez returned to competition earlier this year, ending a five-plus-year hiatus when he made his professional Muay Thai debut in January. A lifelong student of the Gracie Barra system and a former college wrestler, Martinez brings a diverse skill set to the cage. The last time he competed in MMA, he earned a unanimous decision win in front of his hometown crowd—a moment that looked like the launching pad for major opportunities. Despite setbacks along the way, his ambition remains the same: become a world champion.
In a notable late addition to the event, Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson will meet Kevin Hein in his second professional MMA bout.
The main card streams live on UFC Fight Pass.
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