Cory Sandhagen Dominates Marlon Vera In Convincing Split Decision Win at UFC Fight Night

Photo: Instagram/Cory Sandhagen

Cory Sandhagen demonstrated his dominance over Marlon "Chito" Vera in a split decision win at UFC Fight Night in San Antonio.

Despite a third judge scoring the fight in favor of Vera, there was little doubt that Sandhagen had won the fight in convincing fashion. He out-landed Vera 193 to 71 in total strikes and secured three takedowns.

Sandhagen executed his game plan to perfection, taking Vera down in the first and second rounds and using feints, footwork, and takedowns to keep him guessing in the later rounds.

Photo: Instagram/Cory Sandhagen

Sandhagen called for a No. 1 contender fight against Merab Dvalishvili, who is currently on a nine-fight win streak.

He praised Dvalishvili as an "absolute animal" and said he would feel "slimy" asking for a title shot before him.

Sandhagen's record may be 4-3 in his past seven appearances, but this is somewhat misleading as he suffered a quick submission loss to current champion Aljamain Sterling, a loss on short notice against former champion Petr Yan, and a controversial split decision loss to another former champion in TJ Dillashaw.

Vera, known for his knockout power, had his four-fight win streak snapped.

It remains to be seen what the UFC's next move will be in the bantamweight division, with Sterling scheduled to defend his title against Henry Cejudo in May and Sean O'Malley expected to face the winner later this year.

Dvalishvili, who has said he does not intend to fight Sterling due to their status as teammates, should be available in the meantime.

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Source: ESPN

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