Cory Sandhagen’s recent performance against Rob Font at UFC Fight Night left much to be desired for fans in attendance. While Sandhagen secured a victory, his dominant grappling control resulted in a lack of excitement and a chorus of boos from the crowd. The bantamweight fighter acknowledged his subpar showing, attributing it to his ongoing battle with injuries. Sandhagen’s admission raised questions about his ability to consistently deliver thrilling bouts in the octagon.
Throughout the five-round bout, Sandhagen showcased his wrestling prowess by executing takedowns in each round. He maintained control on the ground for over 19 minutes, leaving Font with little opportunity to mount any offense. The judges unanimously scored the fight 50-45 in favor of Sandhagen, emphasizing his dominant performance. However, the lack of back-and-forth action and suspenseful moments left fans disappointed and ultimately led to the overwhelming negative response.
Apologies and Nagging Injuries
After the fight, Sandhagen expressed remorse for the lackluster affair, citing his elbow problems and a possible triceps tear suffered early in the contest. He acknowledged that his injuries hampered his performance and contributed to his grappling-heavy approach. Sandhagen’s apology highlighted the importance of fighters entering the octagon at full health and raised concerns about the sustainability of his fighting style if injuries persist.
Font’s Struggles and Short Notice Fight
Font’s corner attempted to rally him throughout the fight, especially after the third round, but the bantamweight lacked the necessary wrestling skills to match Sandhagen’s control. Additionally, Font accepted the fight on short notice, resulting in the bout being contested at a catchweight of 140 pounds. The combination of his wrestling deficiencies and limited time for preparation put Font at a significant disadvantage against Sandhagen.
Impressive Stats and Dominant Performance
Sandhagen’s statistics from the fight speak for themselves. He absorbed only 33 strikes from Font, while delivering a staggering 112 of his own. Sandhagen successfully converted all seven of his takedown attempts, further solidifying his dominance in the contest. These numbers exemplify his technical ability and effectiveness on the ground, despite the lack of excitement they produced.
Sandhagen boasts an impressive record in the UFC, with his only losses coming against current or former champions. His defeat of Font marks his third consecutive victory, positioning him as a top contender in the bantamweight division. Sandhagen was initially scheduled to face Umar Nurmagomedov, the highly touted cousin of retired lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, Nurmagomedov’s injury forced him to withdraw from the bout. Sandhagen wasted no time calling out the winner of the upcoming title fight between Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley, expressing his desire for a shot at the belt.
In the co-main event, Tatiana Suarez made her first appearance at strawweight since June 2019, defeating former champion Jessica Andrade. Suarez’s career has been plagued by injuries, but her victory over Andrade showcased her formidable skills. The 32-year-old utilized her Olympic wrestling background to secure a second-round submission with a guillotine choke. Suarez’s return to the division puts her in the mix for a potential title shot, having previously amassed four victories at 115 pounds, including a win over current flyweight champion Alexa Grasso.
Cory Sandhagen’s dominant performance against Rob Font may have lacked excitement for fans, but his grappling control and technical ability were undeniable. Sandhagen’s apologies and admissions of nagging injuries raise concerns about his ability to consistently deliver thrilling fights. However, his impressive stats and positioning as a top contender in the bantamweight division cannot be overlooked. The call-out for a shot at the championship demonstrates Sandhagen’s ambition and desire to achieve greatness in the UFC. Additionally, Tatiana Suarez’s successful return to the strawweight division adds further intrigue to the landscape of women’s MMA. Despite the mixed reception from fans, both Sandhagen and Suarez have showcased their skills and potential for future success in the octagon.
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