Vice TV’s “Dark Side of the Cage” returns for its second episode, shifting its focus to the complicated story of UFC veteran Diego Sanchez. This isn’t a typical sports biopic, though; instead, it’s a cautionary tale of exploitation and manipulation. The episode chronicles Sanchez’s descent into a “living nightmare” orchestrated by a self-styled guru. How a seasoned fighter like Sanchez fell under such influence is the central question the episode attempts to answer.
The world of mixed martial arts, with its intense physical and mental demands, can be a breeding ground for unusual relationships. The episode doesn’t pull any punches in depicting how this particular guru figure took advantage of Sanchez’s vulnerabilities. It’s a story that raises larger issues about athlete welfare and the potential for abuse within the high-pressure environment of professional fighting.
“Dark Side of the Cage” offers a look at the less celebrated corners of the MMA world, the places where the spotlight doesn’t shine and the cameras usually don’t roll. While the sport celebrates victories and champions, this series focuses on the stories that often go untold, the ones that reveal the human cost behind the spectacle. It’s a necessary counterpoint to the often-glorified image of professional fighting.
“Dark Side of the Cage” airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on Vice TV.
