Cory Sandhagen is keen on stepping back into the octagon with Petr Yan after his recent triumph at UFC Fight Night 248. Yan scored a unanimous decision victory over the seasoned Deiveison Figueiredo, marking his second consecutive win and solidifying his position within the bantamweight division. Yan, whose record now stands at 18 wins and 5 losses in MMA (10-4 in UFC), showcased his skills at the event held in Macau. Sandhagen, a fellow bantamweight fighter with a record of 17 wins and 5 losses (10-4 in UFC), was not surprised by Yan’s performance, describing it as “amazing” on his YouTube channel.
In dissecting Yan’s victory, Sandhagen highlighted the contrasting styles of the fighters. He observed that Yan’s technical prowess played a crucial role in the bout, allowing him to outmaneuver Figueiredo’s chaotic approach. “Yan is a much bladed, technical guy,” explained Sandhagen, emphasizing that while Figueiredo often thrives in a chaotic environment, he was unable to impose his will this time. Recognizing the tactical depth that Yan brings to each fight, Sandhagen noted that Figueiredo presented a unique challenge, yet Yan’s strategy was remarkably effective.
Sandhagen’s past encounter with Yan at UFC 267 saw him lose the interim bantamweight title, highlighting a desire for redemption. Although he initially began that fight strong, winning the first round, he ultimately lost in a unanimous decision. Since then, Sandhagen has fought back with three consecutive victories before falling to Umar Nurmagomedov. Now, a rematch with Yan appears to be on Sandhagen’s radar as he stands one spot behind Yan in the bantamweight rankings. “I still want to get that one back,” Sandhagen expressed, indicating a strong determination to rectify the previous defeat.
Future Implications for the Bantamweight Division
The bantamweight division is currently rife with uncertainties, and the outcome of Yan’s recent fight has caused ripples throughout the rankings. Sandhagen mentioned a lack of clarity regarding the future matchups within the division, noting that he is eagerly awaiting the UFC’s decision regarding next steps. It remains to be seen how the UFC will approach the matchmaking for Yan and Sandhagen, but there is a palpable sense of anticipation regarding a potential rematch. The respect between the fighters speaks volumes about their competitive spirit and the promising narratives that could further enrich the bantamweight landscape.
As Cory Sandhagen continues to analyze routes for reclaiming his position in the bantamweight division, all eyes remain on his potential rematch with Petr Yan. Given Yan’s recent performance and Sandhagen’s understanding of the intricacies of their previous bout, a second encounter could offer fans an exhilarating clash of styles, strategy, and resolve. In an ever-evolving division, both fighters are not only competing for championship glory but also writing their own legacies as they navigate the rigors of professional mixed martial arts.