The upcoming UFC 320 pay-per-view promises a bantamweight clash of epic proportions, with Cory Sandhagen finally stepping into his first undisputed title shot. Yet, amidst the intense preparations and ceremonial weigh-ins, “The Sandman” has managed to inject a fascinating twist into the narrative, making it clear he doesn`t view his opponent, the formidable Merab Dvalishvili, as the apex predator of the UFC.
A Surprising Snub and a High-Stakes Pick
Despite Dvalishvili`s thirteen-fight winning streak, a testament to his dominance that has led many to brand “The Machine” as virtually unbeatable, Sandhagen offered a different perspective when asked to name the “best fighter in the UFC right now.” His surprising choice? Ilia Topuria.
This declaration is particularly potent. Topuria recently etched his name into UFC history by claiming a second divisional title, following his featherweight reign with lightweight success after a spectacular knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. This achievement also saw him unseat Islam Makhachev from the coveted pound-for-pound top spot. Sandhagen`s nod to Topuria isn`t without merit, but its timing – just days before he faces Dvalishvili – transforms it from a mere opinion into a strategic statement, possibly aimed at the psychological landscape of the fight.
The Challenger`s Blueprint: “More Routes to Victory”
Beyond his assessment of the UFC`s overall talent pool, Sandhagen has articulated a highly confident, almost dismissive, view of Dvalishvili`s path to victory at UFC 320. While “The Machine” has built his reputation on relentless pressure, suffocating grappling, and an iron will, Sandhagen believes he possesses a multi-faceted game that Dvalishvili simply cannot match.
“Unless his striking has gotten a lot better, it’s going to be a really hard night for him,” Sandhagen stated, signaling his intent to leverage his significant advantage on the feet. He further elaborated on his resilience, emphasizing that he has “not once in a fight felt incredibly fatigued” or been “on my back for longer than 10 seconds unless it was something that I was trying to do.” These claims directly challenge Dvalishvili`s signature tactics: breaking opponents with cardio and ground control.
According to “The Sandman,” once Dvalishvili`s primary weapons are neutralized – a task Sandhagen confidently asserts he`s “very good at” – his opponent will find himself with “not a lot of routes to victory.” Conversely, Sandhagen sees his own arsenal as expansive, offering numerous ways to dismantle the Georgian.
Confidence, Calculated or Conclusive?
Is this pre-fight bravado a carefully calculated psychological maneuver designed to get under Dvalishvili`s skin, or simply the unfiltered conviction of a fighter who genuinely believes in his superior skillset? Given the high stakes of an undisputed title fight, every word is often weighed. Sandhagen`s statements paint the picture of a challenger who not only believes he will win but fundamentally understands how he will win, and perhaps even believes his opponent`s overall standing is exaggerated.
The bantamweight division is notoriously competitive, and both Sandhagen and Dvalishvili have navigated a gauntlet of elite talent to reach this pinnacle. Sandhagen`s declaration – “It`s going to be my night. I’m going to be champ” – is a powerful affirmation, setting the stage for a compelling showdown.
As UFC 320 approaches, all eyes will be on the octagon to see if Cory Sandhagen can back up his bold pronouncements and prove that his “routes to victory” are indeed too numerous for “The Machine” to overcome, and that his assessment of the UFC`s best was perhaps a prophetic statement about his own ascent.
Percy Harlow