Cory Sandhagen Outpoints Marlon Vera In Well Rounded UFC Fight Night Performance
In the UFC’s triumphant return to San Antonio, Cory Sandhagen managed to earn the split decision victory over Marlon Vera in this evening’s bantamweight main event.
Known mostly for his explosive striking, Sandhagen put on an excellent display of a well-rounded skill set. Not only did he show more of the stand-up technique that we were all expecting, but fans saw Sandhagen take the fight to the ground on three separate occasions, and achieve over seven minutes of control time.
Additionally, Sandhagen landed 45% of his significant strikes, outdoing Vera 128-58 in that department.
Talk about a complete performance for @CorySandhagen 🙌 #UFCSanAntonio pic.twitter.com/VKoNHJIyG2
— UFC (@ufc) March 26, 2023
With a win over the third ranked competitor in the division, Sanghagen will likely see an improvement in his current bantamweight standing. This should ultimately open up some more very interesting possible matchups as he continues his climb towards the title.
Including, but not limited to, the number one ranked Merab Dvalishvili, who Sanghagen made a point of calling out in his post fight interview.
Is this the greatest callout in UFC history? 😤
⏳ @CorySandhagen wants Merab next! #UFCSanAntonio pic.twitter.com/bJBJJx3DE2
— UFC (@ufc) March 26, 2023
Main Card Results
- Cory Sandhagen def. Marlon Vera via Decision (Split)
- Holly Holm def. Yana Santos via Decision (Unanimous)
- Nate Landwehr def. Austin Lingo via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 2, 4:11
- Maycee Barber def. Andrea Lee via Decision (Split)
- Albert Duraev def. Chidi Njokuani via Decision (Split)
- Daniel Pineda def. Tucker Lutz via Submission (Guillotine Choke) – Round 2, 2:50
Preliminary Card Results
- Lucas Alexander def. Steven Peterson via Decision (Unanimous)
- Trevin Giles def. Preston Parsons via Decision (Split)
- CJ Vergara def. Daniel da Silva via TKO (Ground and Pound) – Round 2, 4:04
- Victor Altamirano def. Vinicius Salvador via Decision (Unanimous)