UFC Nashville: Bridgestone Arena; Nashville, TN
In sports it doesn’t always look pretty. But a fighter must do only what it takes for him to come out unharmed, and on the winning side. In that the fourth-ranked UFC bantamweight is 50-50. He came out on top, but possibly not unharmed. Cory Sandhagen mentioned to MICHAEL BISPING; he believes he may have torn his right tricep in the opening round against Rob Font in a fight that didn’t thrill the crowd. Proving that winning ugly is still winning.
The 31-year old Colorado native was perfect in takedowns going seven-for-seven. And although he didn’t inflict any serious damage to Font, he completely controlled him. Font did look decent for a few seconds in the chess match fight as both also threatened submissions. But Sandhagen’s ground game is levels above Font’s. Come the championship rounds, Font’s corner emplored him to step up his game in some colorful language. But time and again he was unable to do so.
Winning Ugly Is Still A Win, But Is It Worth Anything
Sandhagen believes he should be next in line for the strap at 135. And although he is a well rounded fighter that’s lethal at distance, has great footwork, and now a suffocating ground attack; it might not be enough.
From all indications the UFC 292 fight between Aljamain Sterling and Sean OMalley will be the champs last fight before moving up to 145. So if it’s a successful title defense, the strap goes vacant. But the hottest fighter in the division, ALJO’s teammate Merab Dvalishvili has won nine-straight. Granted eight are via the scorecards, but; he’s been waiting longer.
So in the words of Dana White, “that’s the fight to make”. Or at least have Sandhagen wait behind “The Machine”. Can Sandhagen’s well rounded game stand up to the speed and relentlessness of the Georgian? Highly unlikely.
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