“I don't care about the ranking,” says Sandhagen as he looks to the championship with victory in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai: When Cory Sandhagen steps into the octagon at the Etihad Arena on August 3 for UFC Night, there will be a feeling of familiarity.
The 32-year-old American is set to face Umar Nurmagomedov in a bantamweight match next week, marking his third visit to Abu Dhabi's Yas Island.
With one win and one loss in Abu Dhabi, Sandhagen is preparing for all eventualities against the rising star from Dagestan in the UAE capital.
“I'm just preparing my best for whatever is going to happen in the war,” Sandhagen told Arab News.
“Just all the ways he fights, the ways he grapples, the ways he hits, he learns and understands,” he added. “I'm definitely not going to be surprised by anything, because I know with guys who have very unique styles like that, it's really easy for people to come in and think it's one thing and have that. It's definitely not that thing.”
Sandhagen (17-4-0) has won a game in a row and another victory in Abu Dhabi should give it a shot at the championship belt.
“I definitely think so. I don't think there's really anyone else in this division who beats (those opponents). “(Yadong) Song is one of the top 10 guys, Cheeto (Marlon Vera) is one. It's a top 10 guy, and (Rob) Font was a top 10 guy when I fought him.
“A lot of those wins were really impressive,” he added. Stopping Sang, winning every round against Cheeto, and then winning every round against Font – I think I've definitely had the most impressive performances against some of the best. “I think going against a big guy who's known as one of the better prospects in the league, getting a win against him, definitely solidifies 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 rankings. If people are better than me, I want them to take my belt.” “If Omar is better than me (and beats me), I want him to go on because that means he's earned it and deserves it more than me. I don't care about having things for I don't care to lose.
I want the best player to win, and if I think I'm the best guy, I have to go out there and prove that no matter who (my opponent) is, no matter the ranking, no matter how many. The fights they've had in the UFC. “If Omar is better than me, I want him to beat me, that means he's earned it. If I beat Omar, it means that I am better than him and I have earned the title shot. This is the way I talk to fights. “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 and losing to Petr Yan at the Etihad Arena a year later. He looks back on both experiences with fondness.
“It was great, I honestly love that part of the world,” he said. My first time was when I went out and fought Marlon. I love that part of the world, I thought the hospitality was crazy, so kind. The hotels were really great.”
He also had special praise for the local fans.
“I don't really remember hearing much noise in there. I think the fan demographic is very different from Americans because they're not really big fans. They still love their son, but I think that part of the world has a deeper, richer history in martial arts. And I think what they care about the most is watching good fights and watching high-level performers.
The Middle East has some of the best fighters in the world. Many of those regions throughout the Middle East have some of the best fighters in the world and a deep and rich culture in martial arts. I love Abu Dhabi fans. “I think they are very kind and fair.”
Abu Dhabi has been a UFC hub for several years, and on June 22, Saudi Arabia held its first UFC fight night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Sandhagen believes that hosting events in the area has strengthened the UFC and its roster of fighters.
“I think it's great,” he said. The more global the UFC becomes, 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 kids are really hot, and people here really like it, really enjoy it,” he added. put Dagestan on the map. I didn't know where it was before, and I think (it's) a very interesting aspect of what the UFC is doing. It brings us all a little closer.”
Sandhagen hopes the UFC's expansion into the region in the coming years will also produce more local fighters, something he's happy to play a part in.
“One of my favorite things about going to UFC fights is that I usually walk away inspired,” he said. Inspired to be better at fighting, but also very inspired by people, some of the fighters and the way they can go out and perform. “I think if you can add a little inspiration to someone's life, it can make a huge difference.”
