Cory Sandhagen's Resurgence and Title Shot Demands

 

UFC Vegas 18 gave us a serious contender for Knockout of the Year when Cory Sandhagen dispatched Frankie Edgar in a mere 28 seconds with one of the best flying knees we have seen in MMA. Tinged with bittersweet undertones, Sandhagen's victory has put him next in line for a shot at the Bantamweight strap against the winner of Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling, who will face off at UFC 259 in March. 

While Sandhagen expressed his sadness at having beaten UFC legend Frankie Edgar so viciously, we are now seeing a more ruthless and driven version of the American who is on on a war path to the title. After his loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 250, which Sandhagen described as a lesson, he has since gone on to claim the scalps of a former champion in Edgar and also former title challenger and number one contender Marlon Moraes. His victory over Moraes a pivotal moment in his career, as it confirmed to his doubters that he wasn't going anywhere and his title aspirations were very much serious. 

Sandhagen's resume speaks for itself. Victories over perennial contenders such as Raphael Assuncao and John Lineker just a couple of highlights that exemplify the talent of the Elevation Fight Team athlete. The loss to Sterling one of only two blemishes on his otherwise excellent record. While you cannot take anything away from Sterling's performance at UFC 250, the speed at which the bout unfolded makes a rematch a completely different story in my opinion. Sandhagen's new found savageness represents an exciting new chapter in his career and should Sterling beat Petr Yan, the narrative will write itself. Sandhagen will seek to avenge his only UFC loss, while Sterling will look to cement his status as a Bantamweight great!

The only slight problem Sandhagen may face on his journey to getting a title shot, is the small matter of former UFC Bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw, who will be returning after a two-year PEDS ban imminently. Talk has been circulating of the potential for Dillashaw to be thrust immediately back into the title picture given his status as former champion, but Sandhagen described the idea as 'Garbage'. Such a serious anti-doping violation surely does not constitute a deservedness for Dillashaw to get the title shot ahead of Sandhagen but with current champion Yan calling for a fight with the former champion who knows how this one will play out. 

I for one would certainly be keen to see Sandhagen get the recognition he deserves and a shot at the title before Dillashaw jumps the line. Match Dillashaw up with a contender like Rob Font before he gets gifted a title shot, as a victory over stiff competition like Font would strengthen Dillashaw's argument to fight for the belt, but until then give Cory Sandhagen his moment!

~ James Eakin

References: [Sandhagen quote] "Cory Sandhagen Wants Title Shot, Says TJ Dillashaw Skipping Him Would Be 'Garbage'", Abhinav Kini. Available at: https://www.lowkickmma.com/cory-sandhagen-wants-title-shot-says-tj-dillashaw-skipping-him-would-be-garbage/ [Accessed Feb '21].

Image Credits: [Centre] "WATCH: Cory Sandhagen delivers Knockout of the Year contender with flying knee finish of Frankie Edgar", Brian Campbell. Available at: https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/watch-cory-sandhagen-delivers-knockout-of-the-year-contender-with-flying-knee-finish-of-frankie-edgar/ [Accessed Feb '21].