Cory Sandhagen
- Record: 17-4-0 (7 KOs, 3 Submissions, 7 Decisions)
- Age: 32
- Height: 5'11"
- Reach: 70 inches
- Fighting Style: Striking, Kickboxing, Grappling
Strengths:
- Dynamic and versatile striking with effective use of kicks and flying knees
- High fight IQ with the ability to adapt during fights
- Strong cardio and ability to maintain a high pace throughout the fight
- Excellent movement and footwork, making him difficult to pin down
Weaknesses:
- Has been susceptible to high-level grapplers and submission attempts
- Occasionally overcommits to striking, which can leave him open to counterattacks
- Past losses have shown vulnerability to well-rounded fighters who can mix up their approach
Umar Nurmagomedov
- Record: 17-0-0 (2 KOs, 7 Submissions, 8 Decisions)
- Age: 28
- Height: 5'8"
- Reach: Not listed
- Fighting Style: Sambo, Grappling, Submission
Strengths:
- Impeccable grappling and submission skills, with a strong background in Sambo
- Excellent wrestling and control on the ground, making him very difficult to escape from
- High fight IQ with strong strategic planning and adaptability
- Unblemished professional record showcasing his dominance
Weaknesses:
- Striking is not as developed as his grappling, though he has made improvements
- Slightly shorter reach compared to other top bantamweights, which may affect his striking exchanges
- Has faced limited competition compared to other top contenders in the division
Fight Preview
This bantamweight title eliminator will feature Cory Sandhagen's striking prowess and high-paced fighting style against Umar Nurmagomedov’s exceptional grappling and submission skills. Sandhagen is known for his unpredictable and high-output striking, making him a dangerous opponent standing. His movement and cardio allow him to keep up a relentless pace, putting pressure on his opponents throughout the fight.
Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, relies heavily on his grappling and Sambo background to control and submit his opponents. His wrestling is top-notch, and he has demonstrated the ability to neutralize striking threats with his grappling game. Nurmagomedov's strategy will likely involve closing the distance, taking Sandhagen to the ground, and looking for submission opportunities.
Sandhagen’s best chance is to use his striking and footwork to avoid Nurmagomedov’s takedowns and keep the fight at a distance. Nurmagomedov will need to employ a smart game plan to mitigate Sandhagen's striking and work towards getting the fight to the ground where he excels.
Prediction
Cory Sandhagen by TKO/KO in Round 4
Sandhagen's striking skills, cardio, and ability to adapt could give him the edge in this bout. Nurmagomedov's grappling is elite, but if Sandhagen can avoid early takedowns and manage to keep the fight standing, his striking and ability to wear down opponents over the course of the fight may lead him to a late finish. Nurmagomedov's grappling remains a significant threat, and if he can get Sandhagen down early and control him, he could secure a submission victory. However, given Sandhagen's proven endurance and striking ability, he may just outlast and outstrike Nurmagomedov for the win.
