Billy's MMA Blog

Considered one of the best UFC strikers and MMA strikers in the world is no other than Cory Sandhagen. One of my favorite fighters to watch since watching his John Lineker Fight live at Sunrise, Florida home of the Florida Panthers, clear as day remember watching that fight and questioning whose Cory Sandhagen? Ever since that fight he gradually became one of my favorite fighters to watch.

Current #2 UFC Bantamweight courageously hunts a new challenge in the newest feared Bantamweight, Khabib’s cousin…Umar Nurmagomedov. (17-0, #10 Ranked Bantamweight, Combat Sambo Champion)

Dagestani wrestlers, the Nurmagomedov name expect a wrestling heavy style but Umar Nurmagomedov is the complete opposite Taekwondo/striking focused game plan mixed in with timed takedowns.. The great skills of Umar lead to him earning himself a title contender shot in two years because of how talented and respected he is. That’s why I respect Cory Sandhagen for taking this fight as top Bantamweights wouldn’t.

“Umar is a unique fighter,” Sandhagen told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC on ABC 7 media day. “Stylistically, he’s a really tough fight. I had to work in a lot of overtime hours in order to make sure I was prepared for this fight. But the rankings, him coming up, the odds, the bettors, I couldn’t honestly give a sh*t less.

Betting lines consider Umar Nurmagomedov the underdog at +235 to +250 underdog which is unexpected considering Cory Sandhagen is one of the most talented fighters and brilliant MMA mastermind. Defeated and stood toe to toe with some of the best Bantamweights such as TJ Dillashaw (Controversial loss) Petr Yan (Fight of the Night) and masterpiece technical striking performance against Marlon Vera.

Sandhagen Mindset Change vs Chito Vera

Mindset change appeared in the fight process with Marlon Vera putting “less pressure” on himself and telling Joe Rogan “his fight was like he was on Psychedelic Experience.” I believe it as he had his best performance in my opinion looking completely focused from start to finish. Fight against Marlon Vera since then feel like Cory Sandhagen is a different fighter mentally.

Granted Cory never fought a fighting style like Umar Nurmagomedov but the positive mental change, getting married, new coach in Trevor Wittman, dominant performance wins against Marlon Vera & Rob Font makes me believe that he can pull this off.

“I’ve been with Trevor for about four months now. Working with Trevor has been great, he’s super impressive, he really knows how to work with the athletes on the technical strategic side of things, I haven’t met anyone better, honestly,” Sandhagen told MMAJunkie.

Coach Trevor Wittman by Cory’s side one of the best coaches in the world will really help with the game plan of defeating the feared Umar Nurmagomedov, Trevor sharing his own personal opinions on Cory’s weaknesses or small tweaks will only make Cory improve. My opinion feel like Wittman/Sandhagen is the perfect partnership, both are MMA nerds and feel like this career changing decision for the Sandman.

Besides having Wittman in his corner having brilliant mind in Ryan Hall, great wrestling coach in Carrington Banks, enhancing his striking skills with Former One Championship Featherweight Champion Thanh Le & 5th degree Taekwondo Black Belt will only improve his game and becoming one of the best fighters in the world. Cory for his upcoming fight brought in Penn State Wrestler & world class Judo player to train for the Dagestani wrestling pressure. Shows how serious he is for this #1 contender fight.

On the other hand Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov is one of the best striking fights on paper, really hope this fight fulfills expectations and displays the best versions of MMA to the highest level. Recommend watching this fight will show how BEAUTIFUL MMA truly is.

Prediction- Sandhagen wins by decision in tough fight. Umar wins one or two rounds but Sandhagen confidence, experience gets the job done. Question of this fight how does Cory do against Umar’s wrestling?