Sanchez started training in various forms of martial arts as a teenager. He was two-time national championship wrestler at McKendree University and was named the 2011 NAIA Wrestler of the Year. He graduated in 2011 with a degree in Sociology. Sanchez began fighting professionally in 2012 where he compiled a record of 7 - 2 on the regional circuit.
He was added as one of the 16 Light Heavyweight fighters invited to the cast. He won his entry fight against Phil Hawes via unanimous decision. Next up, he defeated Myron Dennis via unanimous decision. In the semifinals, he defeated Eric Spicely by knockout in the first round.
Sanchez made his promotional debut on July 8, 2016 at UFC in the Light Heavyweight finals against Khalil Rountree. He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision with the score card of. Sanchez next faced Trevor Smith in a middleweight bout on December 9, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 102. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Sanchez faced Anthony Smith on April 15, 2017 at UFC on Fox 24. He lost the fight via knockout due to a combination of knee and punches in the third round. Sanchez faced Ryan Janes on December 1, 2017 at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round. Sanchez was expected to face Antonio Braga Neto on August 25, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 135. However, Neto was removed from the bout on August 2 for undisclosed personal issues and replaced by Markus Perez. Sanchez won the fight via unanimous decision. Sanchez faced promotional newcomer Marc-André Barriault on May 4, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 151. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Sanchez was scheduled to face David Branch on September 14, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 16. However, it was reported that Branch was forced to pull from the event due to injury and he was replaced by Marvin Vettori. However, it was reported that Sanchez was forced to pull from the event due to an eye infection, resulting the cancellation of the bout. In turn, the pairing was left intact and eventually took place a month later at UFC on ESPN+ 19. Sanchez lost the fight via unanimous decision. Sanchez was scheduled to face Zak Cummings on April 25, 2020. However, on April 9, Dana White, the president of UFC announced that this event was postponed to a future date Instead Sanchez was scheduled to face Wellington Turman on August 8, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 174.
