LAS VEGAS – Cory Sandhagen’s last fight was for the world title, and now he’s taking on top 10 finishers.
San Hagen (MMA, 14-4, 7-3 UFC) will face Song Yadong this Saturday, and the two will compete in UFC Fight Night 210 this Saturday. The former UFC title challenger had no problem fighting Yadong (19-6-1 MMA, 8-1-1 UFC) — even if it meant taking a step back in the rankings.
Sandhagen does not intend to play political games and campaigns for top contenders. He sees Yadong as a legitimate threat, which is enough for him to accept the fight.
“The rankings are just to let people know about the better guys fighting because there are a lot of fighters in the UFC and when they have a certain number of fighters next to them it gives them a certain level of importance, They may or may not qualify,” Sandhagen told reporters including MMA Junkie at media day on Wednesday. “But I think Song is definitely in the top 10. I think he’s a good fighter, I think he’s beaten some really good guys before, that’s why I’m willing to fight him.
“I do think he’s fine, he brings danger and it’s easy for me to get up in the morning. “
Sandhagen hasn’t fought in almost a year – October 2021. He last fought at UFC 267 and lost to Petr Yan for the UFC interim bantamweight champ. Sandhagen was very Glad he took time off because he thinks he needs another championship.
“It was a good time,” Sandhagen said. “It was definitely needed. I just want to develop some skills that I need to develop that I feel like I really need to be a champion. I’ve lost a few close people recently, so I’m a little tired of it, so I want to solve this problem. It’s a good time to leave. In order to be a true champion, I really need it. “
For more information on the cards, visit MMA Junkie’s UFC Fight Night 210 Event Center.
