“I don't care about rankings,” says Sandhagen as he sees the title with a win in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI: When Cory Sandhagen steps into the Octagon at the Etihad Arena for UFC Night on August 3, it will be with a growing sense of familiarity.
The 32-year-old American will face Umar Nurmagomedov in a bantamweight bout next week, marking the third time he has been to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
With a win and a loss in Abu Dhabi, Sandhagen has prepared for all eventualities against the rising star from Dagestan in the UAE capital.
“I'm just preparing my best for everything that will come in the fight,” Sandhagen told Arab News.
“Just learning and understanding all the ways he fights, the way he tackles, the way he hits,” he added. “Making sure that I'm not going to be overstepped by anything because I know with guys who have very unique styles, it's very easy for people to go in and think it's going to be one thing and have it definitely not be the one the thing.”
Sandhagen (17-4-0) is riding a three-fight winning streak, and another victory in Abu Dhabi should give him a shot at the title belt.
“I definitely think so. I don't think there's anybody else in the division that really beats (those opponents),” Sandhagen said. “(Yadong) Song is a top 10 guy, Chito (Marlon Vera) is a top 10 guy and (Rob) Font, when I fought him, was a top 10 guy.
“A lot of those wins were really impressive,” he added. “A stop against Song, winning every round against Chito and then winning every round against Font – I think I definitely have the most impressive performances against some of the best guys. I think a fight against a big up-and-comer like is known as one of the better prospects in the division, a win against him I think will definitely solidify that (title shot) for me.”
Sandhagen dismisses any suggestion that, as the second-ranked bantamweight fighter, 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 ranking. If people are better than me, I want them to have the belt over me, he said. “If Umar is better than me (and beats me), I want him to continue because it means that he deserved it and deserves it more than me. I don't care about the rankings. I don't care about having things to lose.
“I want the best guy to be the champion, and if I think I'm the best guy, I have to go out there and prove it no matter who (my opponent) is, no matter the ranking, no matter how many fights they've had in the UFC,” said Colorado native. “If Umar is better than me, I want him to beat me, that means he deserved it. If I beat Umar, it means I'm better than him and I won the title. That's how I approach talking fights. We'll see if he's better than me.”
Sandghagen has already appeared in Abu Dhabi twice, first beating Marlon Moraes at the Flash Forum in October 2021 before losing to Petr Yan a year later at the Etihad Arena. He looks back on both experiences with pleasure.
“It was great, I honestly love that part of the world,” he said. “My first time there was when I went out and fought Marlon. I love that part of the world, I thought the hospitality was crazy, very kind. The hotels were really amazing.”
He also received special praise for the local fans.
“I really don't remember hearing a lot of boos out there. I think the demographic of fans is very different than the American one, because they're not really big boos. They're still rooting for their guy, but I think that part of the world just has a deeper, richer history in martial arts, and I think what they care about most is seeing good fights and watching high-level performers.
“The Middle East has some of the best fighters in the world. A lot of these areas around the Middle East have some of the best fighters in the world, and a deep, rich culture in martial arts. I love the fans in Abu Dhabi. I think they're very kind and Justice.”
Abu Dhabi has for several years been a UFC hub and on June 22, Saudi Arabia held its first ever UFC Fight Night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Sandhagen believes hosting events in this region has strengthened the UFC and its group of fighters.
“I think it's fantastic,” he said. “The more globalized the UFC becomes, the more opportunities we have. More than anything, man, I think it's really cool that fighting unites all parts of the world.
“Right now the Dagestani guys are really hot, and people here really (like) it, really enjoy it,” he added. “It put Dagestan on the map. I didn't know where it was before, and I think (it) is a very cool aspect of what the UFC does. It brings us all a little closer.”
Sandhagen hopes that the spread of the UFC in the region in the coming years will also bring more local fighters, something he is happy to play a role in.
“One of my favorite things about going to UFC fights is that I usually leave very inspired,” he said. “Inspired to get better at fighting, but I also feel very inspired by the people, some of the fighters and the way they can go out and perform. I think if you can just give a touch of inspiration to someone's life, it can a huge difference.”
