“I don't care about the position,” says Sandhagen, looking at the title after winning in Abu Dhabi.
DUBAI: When Cory Sandhagen steps into the Octagon at the Etihad Arena on UFC Night on August 3, it will be with a growing sense of familiarity.
The 32-year-old American will face Umar Nurmagomedov in a bantamweight bout next week, 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 all eventualities against the rising star from Dagestan in the UAE capital.
“I am preparing as best I can for whatever comes in the fight,” Sandhagen told Arab News.
“Just learning and understanding all the ways he fights, the ways he wrestles, the way he attacks,” he added. “We made sure I wasn't caught off guard because I know with people who have very unique styles like this, it's really easy for people to go in and think it's going to be one thing and have that.” it certainly won't.”
Sandhagen (17-4-0) is on a three-fight winning streak and another win in Abu Dhabi should give him a shot at the title.
“I definitely think so. I don’t think there’s anybody else in the division that beats (those opponents),” Sandhagen said. “(Yadong) Song is in the top 10, Chito (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. “Having a stop against Song, winning every round against Chito and then winning every round against Font – I think I'm definitely putting in the most impressive performances against some of the best. I think fighting a big prospect who's known as one of the top prospects in the division, getting a win against him, I think that (title shot) will definitely cement that for me.”
Sandhagen rejects any suggestion that, as the number two bantamweight fighter, he has more to lose in Abu Dhabi than his tenth opponent, who is 17-0-0.
“I don't care about the rankings. If people are better than me, I want them to have a belt over me,” he said. “If Umar is better than me (and beats me), I want him to continue because that means he's earned it and he deserves it more than me. I don't care about rankings. I don't care that I have anything to lose.
“I want the champion to be the best, and if I think I'm the best, I'm going to have to go out there and prove it no matter who (my opponent) is, no matter the position, no matter how many fights I have they had in the UFC,” said the Colorado native. “If Umar is better than me, I want him to beat me, that means he deserved it. If I beat Umar, that means I'm better than him and I've earned the title. That's how I approach talking fights. We'll see if he's better than me.”
Sandghagen has already appeared twice in Abu Dhabi, first defeating Marlon Moraes at the Flash Forum in October 2021 and then losing to Peter Yan a year later at the Etihad Arena. He looks back fondly on both experiences.
“It was great, I honestly love this part of the world,” he said. “The first time I was there was when I went out and fought Marlon. I love that part of the world, I thought the hospitality was crazy, very kind. The hotels were really amazing.”
He also had special praise for the local fans.
“I don't really remember hearing a ton of pounding out there. I think the fan demographic is very different from the American one in that they're not big troublemakers. They still root for their guy, but I think that part of the world has a deeper, richer history of martial arts. And I think what they care most about is watching good fights and watching high-level performers.
“The Middle East has some of the best fighters in the world. Many of these areas in the Middle East have some of the best fighters in the world and a deep and rich martial arts culture. I love the fans in Abu Dhabi. I think they are very nice and fair.”
Abu Dhabi has been a hub for the UFC 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 strengthened the UFC and its roster of fighters.
“I think it's wonderful,” he said. “The more the UFC goes global, the more opportunities we have. More than anything, man, I think it's really cool that fighting brings all parts of the world together.
“Right now Dagestani guys are really hot and people here really like it, they really enjoy it,” he added. “It put Dagestan on the map.” I didn't know where it was before, and I think (it) is a very cool aspect of what the UFC is doing. It brings us all together.”
Sandhagen hopes the UFC's expansion in the region will also produce more local fighters in the coming years, something he's happy to play a part in.
“One of my favorite things about UFC fights is that I usually leave very inspired,” he said. “Inspired to be better at fighting, but I also feel very inspired by the people, some of the fighters and the way they can go out and play. I think just adding a touch of inspiration to someone's life can make a huge difference.”
