- Cory Sandhagen is positive he’s not gonna rely on just power and luck against Chito Vera
- “Sandman” feels he’s more deserving of the title shot than the No. 1 bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley
Cory Sandhagen thinks his critics were somehow right when they said his performances against Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar were more about luck than dominance. However, “Sandman” insists that’s not gonna be exactly the same with Chito Vera.
Different folks, different strokes
In an exclusive interview with MiddleEasy MMA, Sandhagen acknowledged that Vera is a dangerous fighter but he also pointed out that his upcoming opponent mostly relied on his “puncher’s chance.”
When told that some naysayers think he beat Moraes and Edgar in the same fashion, “Sandman” reminded everybody that those victories weren’t gonna be too relevant as he could put on a clinic against Vera. On the other hand, “Chito” has never been that kind of fighter.
“I would agree with them, partly. But I would also say that that’s not something that I rely on. I think I was beating Marlon [Moraes] even before, I knocked him out. Frankie didn’t get to go that far. I’m not like getting beat up and then finishing people and that’s kind of what is happening to Marlon [Vera]. It’s not like Marlon’s goin out like beating the s**t out of people and then finish ‘em. That’s not his story and his fight. So, it’s just not reliable,” Sandhagen explained.
Case for title contention
A win over Vera would surely solidify Sandhagen’s case for bantamweight title contention. The current No. 1 bantamweight contender, Sean O’Malley is believed to be edging closer to a crack at Aljamain Sterling, but “Sandman” is convinced he’s more deserving than “Sugar.”
Sandhagen has successfully returned to the win column after stopping Song Yadong at UFC Vegas 60. Vera, meanwhile, has worked his way up to the No. 4 spot in the rankings by winning his last four trips to the Octagon.
Vera vs. Sandhagen will take place at UFC Vegas 69 on Feb. 18, 2023 at the UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada.
