Lengthy-time bantamweight challenger Corey Sandhagen has been vocal about preventing fellow American challenger Sean O’Malley on-line.
Again in October of final yr, Sandhagen suffered a disappointing choice loss in a title combat in opposition to then-dominated champion Merab Dvalishvili. The combat got here after the American fighter defeated former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in early Might of the identical yr. Dvalishvili, probably the most lively champions within the sport, hoped to interrupt the document for many defenses in a yr after already defending the 135-pound crown twice within the first half of 2025.
For the reason that loss, not solely Sandhagen however the MMA group has been captivated and calling for a matchup with O’Malley. The reasoning behind this comes from the truth that each males have losses to champions on the time, and each males are distinctive strikers, so the bout could possibly be a fan-friendly scrap and highlight-reel end that each males have produced on numerous events all through their time within the UFC.
Cory Sandhagen talks about O’Malley’s combat
After the announcement of the complete UFC White Home card at UFC 326, followers weren’t shocked to see Sean O’Malley seem on that card, however his scheduled opponent on the opposite facet of the Octagon definitely was. O’Malley will face rising Canadian Ayeman Zahavi, who’s on a seven-fight profitable streak.
The thought all through the MMA group was why not this in opposition to Sandhagen? Sandhagen himself gave his ideas on why a possible combat hasn’t materialized but when he spoke to James Lynch on the House of Struggle Youtube channel.
“I feel it is a robust combat for him. Shawn is all about house and going lengthy and preventing from the surface, and I do not suppose he’ll be capable of try this in opposition to me… Shawn is nice at low-risk, high-reward sort of fights, which I do not suppose resonates with folks and followers as a lot as massive dangers, so this can be a little bit of a disgrace.” He concluded by saying, “In my view, it is a bit of a lame option to go about issues.”
Contemplating the present state of the division, who would Cory Sandhagen need to face subsequent at 135 kilos?
