On Saturday night, No. 4 ranked bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen returned to the Octagon at UFC Nashville intent on establishing himself as the next man in line for a shot at the 135-pound title.
Originally scheduled to face Umar Nurmagomedov in the evening’s headliner, ‘The Sandman’ instead stepped inside the cage with fellow top-ten bantamweight Rob Font. Though a win for Font likely won’t earn him a title fight, it would certainly be a statement to take out the division’s No. 4 fighter. Especially doing so on short notice.
Round 1
It only takes 20 seconds for Cory Sandhagen to move in and shoot for a takedown. Sandhagen manages to drag Font to the ground. Font is able to grab a hold of Sandhagen’s neck but lets it go and attempts a kimura in order to defend and move back up to his feet. Sandhagen immediately throws a combination that lands on Font. Font doubles up on the jab followed by an uppercut, but Sandhagen is once again able to change levels and secure a takedown.
Font looks to pop back up and eats a right hand that encourages him to move back toward the mat. Sandhagen again jumps on Font and moves into half guard. Sandhagen works to keep Font on the canvas whilst peppering him with shots, but Font is able to kick Sandhagen away and move back up to his feet.
Font stars to put on some pressure. Sandhagen throws a kick that Font is able to catch and uses it to drag Sandhagen to the canvas, scoring his own takedown. Sandhagen gives up his back in an attempt to get back up, but Font is unable to do anything with it before the horn sounds.
Round 2
Both fighters come out and begin trading in the center of the Octagon. 30 seconds into the round, Cory Sandhagen shoots and secures another takedown. Sandhagen goes to work, looking to improve his position with some ground and pound mixed in. Fans are beginning to get restless as Sandhagen maintains top control but offers little offense in the process. Font teases a kimura attempt but quickly lets it go and he eats a solid elbow from Sandhagen for his trouble.
Sandhagen lands a few more strikes as the round closes with ‘The Sandman’ already maintaining over seven minutes of top control in the first two rounds.
Round 3
Cory Sandhagen opts to stand and trade with Font in the early going, even throwing a switch flying knee, but it’s not long before ‘The Sandman’ goes back to the well and lands another easy takedown on Font. A sweep attempt from Font fails to get Sandhagen off of him and Sandhagen seems content holding his opponent on the mat throughout the remainder of the round, prompting a chorus of boos from the live crown in Nashville.
With 30 seconds left, Font manages to sweep and get back to his feet. Sandhagen throws another flying knee attempt but misses and the round ends with neither fighter offering much offense.
Round 4
Rob Font comes out looking to pick up the pace and put pressure on Cory Sandhagen, but that just allows ‘The Sandman’ to land another quick takedown not even a minute into the fourth round. Font scoots to the cage wall and attempts to wall walk back up to his feet, but Sandhagen is hip to it and controls Font’s limbs to prevent him from getting upright.
Font grabs a guillotine to defend, but Sandhagen breaks the hold and keeps Font on the canvas until the fourth round horn sounds.
Round 5
Clearly down 4-0 going into the final round, Font comes out and changes levels, looking for his own takedown against the fence. Font works on a single leg, but quickly gives it up. Sandhagen reverses position and lifts Font before dumping him back down on the canvas once again. The two men remain on the mat with Sandhagen in compete control until the final horn sounds.
Official Result: Cory Sandhagen def. Rob Font via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Check Out Highlights From Cory Sandhagen vs. Rob Font at UFC Nashville Below:
Sandhagen vs Font is LIVE and FREE NEXT on @espn! #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/dzI81eerX9
— danawhite (@danawhite) August 6, 2023
Cory Sandhagen ML and Wells/Harris does not go the distance -127 ✅
ANOTHER positive week for us 💰 pic.twitter.com/H6YrclE9bS
— Rocketplays Support (@rpsupportpage) August 6, 2023
Sights set on the title 🏆@CorySandhagen wants the #UFC292 winner after his performance at #UFCNashville! pic.twitter.com/tDvmAiNrCg
— UFC (@ufc) August 6, 2023
