UFC legend Diego Sanchez makes dream come true for fighter with down syndrome

Mixed martial arts can throw up plenty of brutal moments and savage knockouts but this fight shows a rare moment when it can also be heartwarming.

Isaac 'The Shermanator' Marquez, a fighter with Down Syndrome, had a dream to take someone on inside the octagon but was unable to as no commission was willing to sanction the bout.

Enter UFC legend Diego Sanchez, a professional fighter with 40 fights to his credit who was aware of Marquez's predicament having trained alongside him at the same gym.

His team Jackson Wink MMA Academy took matters into their own hand after setting up the fight as an exhibition match at the Jackson Wink Fight Night.

Both fighters received hero's welcomes from the crowd and exchanged a series of punches and grappling moves before Marquez got the submission hold and the win.

The crowd erupted and Sanchez paid tribute to his friend after the fight, saying he had proven that anything was possible.

"I just wanted everyone to know that Isaac had a dream and he went after it, and he earned it, and he got it," Sanchez said.

"So anybody out there: If you have a dream, believe in yourself and go for it."