UFC 320: Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen Preview & Prediction
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Fan favorite bantamweight staple Cory Sandhagen looks to deny divisional GOAT, Merab Dvalishvili, his third title defence at 135 pounds.
Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen facts
What time are Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 320
What TV channel is UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 main card
Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex Pereira (Light Heavyweight)
Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen (Bantamweight)
Jiri Prochazka vs Khalil Rountree Jr. (Light Heavyweight)
Josh Emmett vs Youssef Zalal (Featherweight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov vs Joe Pyfer (Middleweight)
UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 prelims
Ateba Abega Gautier vs Treston Vines (Middleweight)
Edmen Shahbazyan vs Andre Muniz (Middleweight)
Chris Gutierrez vs Farid Basharat (Bantamweight)
Daniel Santos vs Yoo Joo-sang (Featherweight)
Macy Chiasson vs Yana Santos (Women’s Bantamweight)
Patchy Mix vs Jakub Wiklacz (Bantamweight)
Punahele Soriano vs Nikolay Veretennikov (Welterweight)
Ramiz Brahimaj vs Austin Vanderford (Welterweight)
Veronica Hardy vs Brogan Walker (Women’s Flyweight)
Merab Dvalishvili: "The Machine" aims to build on his resume and underline his credentials as the bantamweight GOAT
Widely regarded as the greatest bantamweight in UFC history history, Merab Dvalishvili (20-4) continues to build a resume worthy of GOAT quality while showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. After a slow start to his UFC career, “The Machine” has run roughshod over the bantamweight division, clearing out the 135 pound shark tank with his relentless chain wrestling and seemingly inhuman cardio. Merab already had wins over divisional standouts Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Jose Aldo prior to his championship reign and he’s only gotten better since. Either side of a stunning comeback victory over divisional boogeyman, Umar Nurmagamedov, the Georgian destroyed UFC poster boy Sean O’Malley in a rematch after a close decision victory in their first encounter.
Cory Sandhagen: Can "The Sandman" play spoiler in what would be a seismic upset on the pound for pound list?
A UFC competitor since 2018, fan favorite Cory Sandhagen (18-5) finally gets his shot at bantamweight gold after fighting a who’s-who of top contenders at 135 pounds. Outside of the very elite of the division, “The Sandman” has largely had his way with them too, scoring wins over top contenders in the vein of Song Yadong, Marlon Vera, and Deiveson Figueiredo to name but a few of his UFC victories. An intensely cerebral fighter, Sandhagen made his name off the back of his dynamic, stance shifting striking game. However, he has leant on his grappling more in recent years to underline his diverse skillset and dedication to constant improvement.
Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen prediction
Sandhagen’s talent and fight IQ means that he’s never totally out of the fight, but it’s hard to give him much of a chance here.
The American is a better grappler than O’Malley, and is likely to find more success in returning to his feet if he finds himself grounded in the first few instances. However, to discourage Merab’s takedowns, he’s likely going to have to hurt him to gain his respect, and Sandhagen doesn’t possess the same one-shot KO power of “Sugar.”
The American is often touted as a perennial knockout threat, but while he’s an excellent striker, both of his most high profile KO wins come with considerable asterisks. Frankie Edgar was long past his best when Sandhagen flying kneed him into oblivion, while his spinning wheel kick finish over Marlon Moraes did not age well after “Magic” proceeded to embark on a seven fight stoppage loss streak.
In short, Merab appears likely to improve on the blueprint laid down by Umar Nurmagamedov in his victory over Sandhagen. The Georgian even ended up winning the majority of the striking exchanges in his title tilt against the Russian, something that bodes ill for a man who was clearly out struck by Umar across five rounds.
The American may have some success in returning to his feet in the early goings, but Merab’s cardio and relentless pressure will eventually pay dividends. Don't be surprised if he even manages to find another late finish.
Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili to win
