AI SCOUTING REPORT · FIGHTDECK

Cory Sandhagen

16-5 MMA (9-4 UFC) Bantamweight American
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SCOUTING REPORT

Cory Sandhagen

16-5 MMA (9-4 UFC) Bantamweight American
High Danger

One of the most exciting finishers in Bantamweight with an 89% finish rate and 8 KO/TKO wins in UFC. His 70-inch reach is a significant advantage at 135 lbs. Most recently beat Umar Nurmagomedov (UD at UFC 307, Sep 2025) and Deiveson Figueiredo (UD at UFC 317, Apr 2026). His back kick KO of Marlon Vera (2022) is one of the most viral KOs in UFC history. Was exposed on the ground by Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 300 — his wrestling defense is a real weakness.

Physical Profile

StanceOrthodox
Height180 cm
Reach70 inches
Record16-5 MMA (9-4 UFC)

Finish Breakdown

KO/TKO
89%
Submissions
11%
Decisions
0%

Fighting Style

Elite kickboxer with rangy length (70-inch reach for 135 lbs is significant). High-volume striker with creative combinations. Athletic and explosive; can finish fights from multiple angles. Has shown improved grappling in recent fights — not just a striker anymore. Dynamic and exciting; always brings entertainment.

Strengths

  • Range striking — uses his 70-inch reach to outland opponents at range; picks them apart with jabs and kicks
  • Volume — high output; stays active and doesnt let opponents settle
  • Athleticism — explosive movement; difficult to track and time
  • Finishing ability — has KO/TKO power in both hands and can finish on the ground
  • Cardio — goes 5 hard rounds; never fades
  • Creativity — will throw unusual techniques in combinations; keeps opponents off balance

Weaknesses

  • Wrestling/grappling — has been controlled on the ground by high-level grapplers (Merab exposed this)
  • Counterpuncher vulnerability — fighters who sit back and counter have given him problems
  • Defensive wrestling — gets taken down more than hed like; TD defense needs work
  • Durability — has been knocked out before; doesnt have an iron chin at the elite level

Style Tendencies

  • Uses range expertly with long jabs and kicks — opponents struggle to close distance
  • Creative combinations — will throw unusual techniques
  • Explosive athletic ability — finishes fights from multiple angles
  • Struggles when pressured backward — performance drops against aggressive wrestlers

Recent Form

3-1 in last 4 — beat Umar Nurmagomedov (UD at UFC 307), Deiveson Figueiredo (UD at UFC 317, Apr 2026), and Yadong Song (KO). Lost to Merab Dvalishvili (UD at UFC 300).

Key Fights

WIN Umar Nurmagomedov (UFC 307) UD Beat top contender; biggest recent win — Sep 2025
WIN Deiveson Figueiredo (UFC 317) UD Dominant performance — Apr 2026
LOSS Merab Dvalishvili (UFC 300) UD Exposed wrestling weakness; Merabs relentless TD game — Apr 2024
WIN Yadong Song (UFC Fight Night) KO First round KO; statement win — Nov 2023
WIN Marlon Vera (UFC on ESPN+ 41) KO (back kick) Back kick KO; one of the most viral KOs of 2022 — Aug 2022

Recommended Game Plan

Merab Dvalishvili exposed this — chain-wrestle him and dont let him establish his range. Cut off the ring to limit his lateral movement. Pressure him as he performs best when setting the pace. Target the body to disrupt his breathing and slow his output.

Standing

Pressure him — he performs best when he sets the pace. If youre reactive hell pick you apart with his range. Target the body to slow his output.

Clinch

Chain-wrestle him immediately — dont let him use his length. Merab showed the path: relentless takedowns to control the fight.

Ground

From top, stay heavy and work ground-and-pound. His scrambling is improving but hes still vulnerable on the ground.

Key Instructions
  1. Chain-wrestle him — Merab exposed his wrestling defense is a real gap in his game
  2. Pressure him from the opening bell — hes most dangerous when setting the pace
  3. Cut off the ring to limit his lateral movement and rangy striking
  4. Target the body to disrupt his breathing and slow his high-volume output

⚠ This report is based on publicly available fight data and AI analysis. Not financial or medical advice.

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