UFC San Antonio: AT&T Center; San Antonio, Texas
A leopard doesn’t change it’s spots. And athletes do what they do, no matter how hard they try to change. The book on Marlon Vera is to jump on him early and often because of how much of a slow starter he is. And that’s exactly what Cory Sandhagen did. But with all its talent bantamweight is tightening up in the UFC.
And leave it to judging in Texas to make you scratch your head. Sandhagen who was in complete control for four-and-a-quarter of the five-rounds only took a split decision (48-47 Vera, 50-45 49-46 Sandhagen). The 30-year old moved side-to-side like a wind-shield wiper and was on his bike for all five. And the sniper from distance had a right uppercut hit the target over and over again. Although Vera was able to stuff a decent amount of takedowns, when it did go to the mat, the ground-and-pound, and being heavy on top frustrated the Ecuadorian.
His coach JASON PARILLO pleaded with Vera to step up the action, which post fight Vera admitted “no excuses, this one’s on me. I just couldn’t get it going”. And the loss will most likely cost him his numberthree-spot in the rankings. The fact that he could have waited for a title shot and not take this fight, shows his willingness for competition. But that’s a hollow victory.
Bantamweight Is Tightening Up And Decisions Need To Be Made
With the win, Sandhagen who is now 2-2 in his last four seems to have a fuller arsenal now. But with him sort of calling out Merab Dvalishvili appears to be where the powers that be may be heading as a title eliminator. Whether or not Dvalishvili wants to fight his teammate Aljamain Sterling or not.
If Sandhagen thinks it will be an easy walk in the park against “The Machine” he has another thing coming. The Georgian’s gas tank is better than his, and same with his wrestling. But Sandhagen would have a five-inch advantage, and would need that uppercut and striking to be on their A-GAME. And if you think Sean OMalley will go quietly into the night, you got another thing coming. There’s lots of options now at 135 and Dana White will be quite busy making those decisions.
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