At UFC 320 in Las Vegas, Cory Sandhagen challenged Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title but fell short after five exhausting rounds. Sandhagen’s movement and creative offense kept the fight competitive early, but Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and record-breaking takedown pace ultimately overwhelmed him. With the unanimous decision loss, Sandhagen’s win streak ends, and his position in the elite of the division faces renewed uncertainty.

The next logical step for Sandhagen is a rematch with Song Yadong, a fight that makes sense both for fan interest and divisional clarity. Sandhagen and Song last met in September 2022, with Sandhagen earning a doctor-stoppage TKO in a thrilling, back-and-forth battle. Since that bout, both fighters have added skills and signature victories. Now, with Song climbing the ranks after wins over top contenders and Sandhagen looking to reassert himself, their rematch offers a clear, stakes-filled path back to title contention for both men.

Stylistically, this matchup is electric. Sandhagen’s diverse striking, high output, and footwork will again be tested against Song’s sharp boxing, power, and improved grappling. Their first fight showed both could take damage and keep pushing, and they’ve only grown as fighters since. For Sandhagen, this is the redemption and momentum he needs. For Song, it’s the perfect chance to avenge his previous loss and enter the title conversation.

Cory Sandhagen — Last Five Fights:

1. Loss to Merab Dvalishvili – Decision (unanimous), UFC 320 (October 4, 2025)
2. Win over Deiveson Figueiredo – TKO (injury), UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo (May 3, 2025)
3. Loss to Umar Nurmagomedov – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov (August 3, 2024)
4. Win over Rob Font – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Font (August 6, 2023)
5. Win over Marlon Vera – Decision (split), UFC Fight Night: Vera vs. Sandhagen (March 26, 2023)

Song Yadong — Last Five Fights:

1. Win over Henry Cejudo – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song (February 22, 2025)
2. Loss to Petr Yan – Decision (unanimous), UFC 299: O'Malley vs. Vera 2 (March 10, 2024)
3. Win over Chris Gutierrez – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Gutierrez (December 10, 2023)
4. Win over Ricky Simón – KO/TKO (punches), UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Simón (April 30, 2023)
5. Loss to Cory Sandhagen – TKO (doctor stoppage), UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song (September 18, 2022)