“I don't care about the ranking,” says Sandhagen, reflecting on the victory in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI: When Cory Sandhagen steps into the Octagon at the Etihad Arena on UFC night on August 3, it will feel increasingly familiar.
The 32-year-old American faces Umar Nurmagomedov in a lightweight bout next week, marking the third time he has been to Abu Dhabi's Yas Island.
With one win and one loss in Abu Dhabi, Sandhagen was preparing for any upsets against the rising star from Dagestan in the UAE capital.
“I'm just preparing as hard as I can for whatever happens in the fight,” Sandhagen told Arab News.
“Just learning and understanding all the ways he fights, the ways he fights, the ways he throws,” he added. “Making sure I'm not caught off guard because I know with guys who have a very unique style, it's very easy for people to walk in and think it's going to be one thing and have it definitely not be 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 definitely think so. I don't think there's anyone else in the division that beats (those opponents),” Sandhagen said. “(Yadon) Song is in the top 10, Chita (Marlon Vera) is in the top 10, and (Rob) Font when I fought him was in the top 10.
“A lot of those wins were really impressive,” he added. “Stopping Song, winning every round against Chito and then winning every round against Font — I think I'm definitely the most impressive against some of the top guys. I think fighting a big rookie who's known as one of the top prospects in the division, beating him I think will definitely solidify that (title shot) for me.”
Sandhagen dismisses any suggestion that, as the second-ranked lightweight, 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 rating. If people are better than me, I want them to be a belt above me,” he said. “If Umar is better than me (and surpasses me), I want him to continue because that means he has earned it and deserves it more than I do. I don't care about the rating. I don't care what can be lost.
“I want the best guy to be the champion, and if I think I'm the best guy, I'm going to have to go out there and prove it no matter who (my opponent is), no matter the ranking, no matter how many fights, what they are had in the UFC,” said the Colorado native. “If Umar is better than me, I want him to beat me, then he deserves it. If I beat Umar, that means I am better than him and earned the title. That's how I approach talking battles. Let's see if he's better than me.”
Sandhagen has already competed 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 fondly on both experiences.
“It was great, I honestly love this part of the world,” he said. “My first time there was when I went out and wrestled Marlon. I love this part of the world, I thought the hospitality was crazy, very good. The hotels were really wonderful.”
He also praised the local fans separately.
“I really don't remember hearing a lot of growling there. I think the fan demographic is very different from the American one, in the sense that they're not really big geeks. They still root for their guy, but I think this part of the world has a deeper and richer martial arts history. And I think they care more about watching good fights and watching high-level performers.
“The Middle East has some of the best fighters in the world. Many of these areas around the Middle East have some of the best fighters in the world and a deep, rich martial arts culture. I love the fans in Abu Dhabi. I think they are very kind and fair.”
Abu Dhabi has been a UFC hub for several years, and on June 22, Saudi Arabia hosted its first-ever UFC Fight Night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Sandhagen believes hosting events in the region has boosted the UFC and its roster of fighters.
“I think it's wonderful,” he said. “The more globalized the UFC is, the more opportunities we have. Most of all, man, I think it's really cool that the fight brings all parts of the world together.
“Now Dagestan guys are very hot and people here really like it, they really like it,” he added. “It put Dagestan on the map. I didn't know where that was before, and I think (it's) a really cool aspect of what the UFC is doing. It makes us all a little closer.”
Sandhagen hopes the UFC's expansion into the region in the coming years will lead to an increase in 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 leave very inspired,” he said. “I'm inspired to be the best at fighting, but I also feel very inspired by the people, some of the fighters and how they can go out and perform. I think if you can just add a touch of inspiration to someone's life, it can make a huge difference.”
