'I don't care about the order,' Sandhagen said as he eyed the title with victory in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI: When Cory Sandhagen steps into the Octagon at the Etihad Arena for UFC Night on August 3, his knowledge will grow.
The 32-year-old American is set to face Umar Nurmagomedov in a bantamweight fight next week, marking his third trip to Abu Dhabi's Yas Island.
With one win and one loss in Abu Dhabi, Sandhagen is prepared for anything against the rising star from Dagestan in the UAE capital.
“I am preparing the best for whatever comes from the war,” Sandhagen told Arab News.
“Just learning and understanding how they all fight, how they fight, how they strike,” he added. “Making sure I don't get distracted by anything because I know with guys who have such a unique style, it's really easy for people to come in and think it's going to be one thing and have it.” . certainly not that thing.
Sandhagen (17-4-0) is on a three-fight winning streak, and another victory in Abu Dhabi should give him a shot at the title belt.
“I really think. I don't think there's anyone else really in the division that beats (those opponents),” Sandhagen said. “(Yadong) Song was a top 10 guy, Chito (Marlon Vera) was a top 10 guy, and (Rob) Font was a top 10 guy when I fought him.
“Many of these victories have been impressive,” he added. “Stopping against Song, winning every round against Chito, and then winning every round against Font — I think I have the most impressive performance among the best guys. I think fighting a top player who is known as one of the best in the division, beating him, I think it will really solidify that (title shot) for me. “
Sandhagen dismissed any suggestion that, as the second-ranked bantamweight, he has more to lose in Abu Dhabi than his 10th-ranked opponent, who has a record of 17-0-0.
“I don't care about the lineup. If people are better than me, I want them to have the belt on them,” he said. “If Omar is better than me (and beats me), I want him to continue because it means he got it and he deserves it more than me.” I don't care about the order. I don't care about having anything to lose.
“I want the best man to be the champion, and if I think I'm the best man, I have to go out and prove that to whoever (my opponent), no matter the ranking, no matter how many. his fight in the UFC,” said the Colorado native. “If Omar is better than me, I want him to beat me, that means he gets it.” If I beat Umar, it means I am better than him and I got the shot. That's how I say war. We'll see if he's better than me.”
Sandghagen has already performed twice in Abu Dhabi, first defeating Marlon Moraes at the Flash Forum in October 2021 before defeating Petr Yan a year later at the Etihad Arena. He looks back at both of his experiences.
“It's great, I really love this part of the world,” he said. “The first time there was when I went out and wrestled with Marlon. I love this area, I thought the hospitality was crazy, so kind. The hotel was very nice.”
He also had special praise for the local fans.
“I really don't remember hearing so many boos there. I think the fan demographic is different from the American one, because they're not really booers. They are still rooted in men, but I think that part of the world has a much deeper and richer history of martial arts. And I think the most important thing for them is to watch good fights and watch top players.
“The Middle East has some of the best fighters in the world. Many regions around the Middle East have some of the best fighters in the world, and a deep and rich culture of martial arts. I love the fans in Abu Dhabi. I think they are very kind and honest. “
Abu Dhabi has been the center of the UFC for years, and on June 22, Saudi Arabia held its first UFC night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Sandhagen believes that hosting events in this area has grown the UFC and its roster of fighters.
“I think it's great,” he said. “The more globalized the UFC gets, the more opportunities we have. More than anything, man, I think it's really cool that war brings all parts of the world together.
“Right now, Dagestan men are very hot, and people here (are) really into it, really enjoying it,” he added. “It put Dagestan on the map. I don't know where it was before, and I think (it's) a really cool look at what the UFC is doing. It brings us all closer together.”
Sandhagen hopes the UFC's regional expansion will also produce more local fighters in the coming years, something he's happy to be a part of.
“One of the things I love about going to a UFC fight is that I walk away inspired,” he said. “I'm inspired to be better at fighting, but I feel inspired by people, some of the fighters and how they can go out and perform. I think if you can just add a little bit of sound to someone's life, it can make a huge difference. “
