Cory Sandhagen has fired back at former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo.
In the main event of UFC Nashville, Sandhagen was taking on Rob Font in a 140lbs catchweight fight after his scrap against Umar Numagomedov was off due to the Dagestani native pulling out with an injury. Yet, just before the fight, Sandhagen injured his elbow and then in the early moments of the scrap, he injured it again.
With a hurt elbow, Sandhagen turned to his wrestling and got seven takedowns and nearly 20 minutes of control to get a clear-cut decision win over Font. However, it wasn’t the most exciting performance and after the fight, Cejudo took to Twitter to claim that performance will allow him to fight Merab Dvalishvili for a number one contender fight.
Thank you, Cory Sandhagen. After that dud of a performance, it's me vs @MerabDvalishvil for the next shot at that bantamweight strap 💯
FULL REACTION: https://t.co/UiNeAUbUXx
Powered by @jimmybars 🍫 pic.twitter.com/91iOKiyXcy
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) August 6, 2023
Cory Sandhagen responds to Henry Cejudo
After the tweet, Cory Sandhagen went on The MMA Hour and was asked about it, and he did not mince words about his thoughts on Henry Cejudo. Instead, Sandhagen defended his performance and believes he should be next in line for a title shot.
“I don’t know man. I kinda figured everyone else would make their arguments for fighting for the belt next, I kinda figured they would attack the situation but the situation is what it is, I did my best,” Sandhagen said. “Like I said, I 50-45’d one of the best guys in the world. On two and a half weeks’ notice, I had to change my entire strategy, not a guy at all I was getting ready for.
“Henry can say what he wants, but he was granted a golden gift by even getting the title shot initially anyways. He lost. So, you’re one or two fights behind now. I’m out for a little bit so lucky for those guys. But, I anticipate when I come back I will be the next guy to fight for the title,” Sandhagen continued.
Although it was not the most exciting fight, Cory Sandhagen is happy he got the win and believes he should get the next title shot.
However, Sandhagen will need surgery on his elbow so it will keep him out of the Octagon for the time being. But, he does believe when he is back he will be ahead of Cejudo to get the next title shot.
