Taekwondo was the first fighting sport Cory Sandhagen tried. But eventually, his devotion went beyond simple kicking. After receiving punishment for throwing a punch during taekwondo instruction, he switched to boxing. But it was managing World Extreme Cage Combat (WEC), a dynamic and adaptable style of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), that truly got him interested and set him on a new course.
‘The Sandman’ has established himself as one of the most thrilling fighters in the UFC bantamweight division with a 17-4 professional mixed martial arts record. At the moment holding the second spot, Sandhagen has encountered a number of formidable opponents, each of whom has helped him develop as a fighter. Here’s a thorough examination of the defeats that shaped his path to UFC championship.
Sandhagen’s early career and UFC debut Sandhagen made his Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) debut in 2017. Even if his debut wasn’t perfect, it marked the start of his ascent in the ranks. After making an excellent first impression in his UFC debut against Austin Arnett in 2018, Sandhagen attracted the interest of the UFC. He emerged victorious in the second round via technical knockout, making him a formidable opponent in the bantamweight class.
The Initial Major Obstacle
Notwithstanding his speedy ascent, Sandhagen’s first significant test came at UFC 250 when he squared off against Alzman Sterling for the bantamweight title. Sandhagen lost the bout quickly after Sterling applied a rear-naked choke in the opening round. Sandhagen’s career took a significant turn after the defeat, which brought to light his distinction from other elite fighters. Sandhagen’s better competitiveness was highlighted by Stirling’s subsequent victory in the division.
A Wonderful Ending and a Heartbreaking Loss
Undeterred, Sandhagen returned impressive victories. He scored memorable knockouts over Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar, and showcased his incredible skills and creative style inside the Octagon. These performances solidified his status as a top contender and helped former champion T.J.
In a highly contested bout, Sandhagen showed his technical prowess but ultimately lost by split decision. The narrow loss was a tough pill to swallow, but it underscores her ability to compete at the highest level. Sandhagen then faced another former champion, Petr Yan, at UFC 267 for the interim bantamweight championship. Despite a strong start, Sandhagen was defeated in five, losing the fight by unanimous decision. This defeat deprived him of an interim title and an immediate path to a shot at being competitive.
After an Early Loss in the UFC
Sandhgen’s journey is not without its initial obstacles. Prior to joining the UFC, he lost his LFA debut at LFA 5 in 2017, where he lost to Jamal Emers via decision. This first loss was a learning experience that helped shape his future career. Interestingly, Emers also defeated another future UFC fighter, Alexander Hernandez, underscoring the competitive nature of the regional MMA circuit.
Sandhgen has been remarkably resilient in spite of these issues. His ability to bounce back from losses and improve his technique to win highlighted his tenacity and flexibility. Sandhagen and Omar Nurmagomedov will now square off on August 3rd at UFC on ABC 7. The victor of this much awaited match might take home the bantamweight title and possibly write another chapter in Sandhagen’s inspiring tale of tenacity and development.
