In his quest to climb the bantamweight ranks, Cory Sandhagen took advantage of the short preparation of his opponent Rob Font, who accepted the fight two weeks ago as a replacement for Umar Nurmagomedov, to defeat him by unanimous decision of three. identical cards of 50-45.
A clean sweep for @CorySandhagen 👏 #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/DDBKXUDiok
— UFC (@ufc) August 6, 2023
In a fight that could look like fireworks, the firecrackers were wet in a fairly lackluster fight. Sandhagen’s struggle was dominant in the five rounds where Font never managed to find a solution.
The fight was very technical thanks to Sandhagen who managed seven takedowns in as many attempts in addition to controlling the octagon for 19 minutes and 24 seconds. Rob Font only delivered nine significant blows to Sandhagen during the fight.
Installed seventh in the hierarchy of the division, Font (20-7) had defeated Adrian Yanez last April.
Following Umar Nurmagomedov’s withdrawal due to injury, Cory Sandhagen finally faces Rob Font, who accepted the fight on short notice. A fight in catchweight which on paper keeps all its promises.
Sights set on the title 🏆@CorySandhagen wants the #UFC292 winner after his performance at #UFCNashville! pic.twitter.com/tDvmAiNrCg
— UFC (@ufc) August 6, 2023
Round 1: From the start, Cory Sandhagen validates a takedown but Rob Font prevents the American from moving on the ground. The two athletes get up and exchange striking before Sandhagen succeeds in a new takedown. In a favorable position, he manages to score in ground & pound. For his part, Rob Font finished the first round strong.
Round 2: On his back, Font is under pressure from the opposition without being able to free himself. Sandhagen took the opportunity to establish his dominance, accumulating ground control time.
Round 3: New takedown from Sandhagen, who wants to stifle the fight and prevent Rob Font from standing up.
Round 4: Cory Sandhagen once again employs the strategy he has used since the start of the fight: he takes his counterpart to the ground with disconcerting ease, and maintains a favorable position. Like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Sandhagen remains in control and takes very few risks.
Round 5: For the 7th time in the fight (in 7 attempts), Sandhagen validates a takedown. He tries an arm-to-head choke on Font, but the latter resists well and avoids being submitted.
Enter Sandman 😤@CorySandhagen | #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/qaSthSlNAQ
— UFC (@ufc) August 6, 2023
