Cory Sandhagen


Cory James Sandhagen is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2015, he has also competed for Legacy Fighting Alliance. As of July 14, 2020, he is #4 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.

Background

In his youth, Sandhagen played basketball. Eventually he grew interest in combat sports, first picking up kickboxing in which he won multiple WKA titles. After winning a WKA world title, Sandhagen began transitioning to mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Sandhagen made his Legacy Fighting Alliance debut on February 24, 2017 at against Jamall Emmers, losing the bout via unanimous decision. His next fight was on October 17, 2017 against Luiz Antonio Lobo Gavinho at, which he won via first round TKO. Sandhagen's final appearance for Legacy Fighting Alliance came on January 19, 2018 at, defeating Jose Aguayo via first round TKO.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Sandhagen made his promotional debut at on January 27, 2018 against Austin Arnett. He won the fight via second round TKO.
His next bout was at on August 25, 2018 Iuri Alcantara. After a back-and-forth affair, he won the fight via second round TKO. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.
Sandhagen was scheduled to face Thomas Almeida at. However, it was later announced that Sandhagen would face John Lineker at the event instead. On January 10, Lineker was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a rib injury. He was replaced by promotional newcomer Mario Bautista. He won the bout via first round submission.
The bout with Lineker was rescheduled and eventually took place on April 27, 2019 at. Sandhagen won the fight via split decision.
Sandhagen faced Raphael Assunção on August 17, 2019 at UFC 241. He won the bout by unanimous decision.
Sandhagen was scheduled to face Frankie Edgar in a bantamweight bout on January 25, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 166. However, Edgar was removed from the fight in favour of a bout against Chan Sung Jung a month earlier at UFC Fight Night 165. In turn, Sandhagen was removed from the card.
Sandhagen faced Aljamain Sterling on June 6, 2020 at UFC 250 in a bout that UFC president Dana White confirmed to be a bantamweight title eliminator. He lost the bout via submission in the first round.

Personal life

Apart from mixed martial arts career, Sandhagen works part-time at a trauma center for children. He also teaches mixed martial arts at High Altitude Martial Arts in Aurora, Colorado.

Championships and achievements