UFC Vegas 60: UFC Apex; Las Vegas
When top level fighters meet, you’re just about guaranteed something fun. And on full display was the grit and determination of Yadong Song. He was pop shotted, sliced, and had to worry about takedowns. However it was Cory Sandhagen breaking a two-fight losing streak. And now that Sandhagen is back on track; how far is he from fighting for the 135 strap?
Champion Aljamain Sterling still has to get past a hungry T.J. Dillashaw next month. But Sandhagen who fought for the interim belt, is zeroing in on the real one. He told DANIEL CORMIER bluntly that he doesn’t want to be skipped over again, and wouldn’t mind either Marlon Vera or Sterling’s teammate Merab Dvalishvili for Christmas. And that’s refreshing to see actually. Someone not just saying “I want the champion now”.
As the 30-year old continues his climb, his game-plans even in defeat are getting better. Yadong’s, a high forward pressure fighter. So Sandhagen used popping him from distance and once inside connected with multiple slashing elbows which opened up the left side of the Chinaman’s face. And that led to the cage-side doctor calling it after the fourth round.
Sandhagen Is Back On Track… But Does He Have Enough
He’s never had dangerous power, but he has smarts. But all above him in the rankings have solid chins as well. Both names he mentioned will bring opposite fights. Vera will no doubt try to pull him into a dog fight. And Dvalishvili will look to bring the fight to the ground and out wrestle him with his gas tank.
Vera might be the smarter fight from Sandhagen’s point of view. Because as with Yadong he can use aggressiveness to his advantage. And Vera doesn’t have the heart that Yadong has. That’s the thing about snipers. They know how to stay just out of range, while keeping you in theirs.
So perhaps Dana White as Santa Claus may provide a 135-pound giftbag for all good UFC fans.
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