A Sitdown With Cory Sandhagen: Life, Fighting and Sean O'Malley | Morning Kombat

Cory Sandhagen is one of the UFC's best bantamweights, but much more than that. The Colorado-native is a teacher, basically normal guy and potentially a future champion. In this conversation with Morning Kombat's Luke Thomas recorded at Fifty/50 BJJ in Falls Church, Virginia, Sandhagen opens up about how partnering with Ryan Hall changed his entire perspective on fighting. He also delves into keeping distance from the fight game, what really matters in MMA striking and whether this is about prize fighting at all.
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MORNING KOMBAT WITH LUKE THOMAS AND BRIAN CAMPBELL, Showtime's first live digital series, spotlights the weekend’s biggest news from the world of combat sports. MORNING KOMBAT airs live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11AM ET / 8 AM PT.
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[@MMAOnPoint]

Okay, that Malibu's most wanted line for Sean O'Malley got me. 🤣

[@oak8891]

timestamp papi?

[@corypope7400]

@@oak889120:00

[@thatindiandude4602]

​@@oak889120:25 😊

[@robertt8822]

​@@oak889120:25

[@Maartun]

@@oak889150:50

[@JoseRodriguez-op4fp]

Did anyone laugh when Cory asked Luke how he was he didn’t answer and just start the interview 😂

[@its_bogeyyy]

Holy shit, I didn't realize Cory was this self-aware and, for lack of a better term, thoughtful. Absolutely incredible interview, and what a cool guy! Really hoping to see him get the belt soon! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@lowlowseesee]

welcome to the party pal

[@dustinpakatak]

Not saying bro every other word helps a lot. The last yearish he’s removed that annoying crutch

[@steelob5693]

I'm a Lil nervous he maybe too in his head I think that's makes omally champ he's not in his head

[@LiveItUpDaily]

you should check out his episode on the JRE podcast. I'm sure you'll enjoy it

[@technodromen]

He and Aspinall are my absolute favorites in- och outside the cage. Absolute beasts in the cage. Absolute class acts out the cage.

[@ThatMexicanMMADude]

20:27 "Once you get past his Malibu's most wanted aesthetic, he's a very smart guy" 🤣🤣🤣

[@mugen9499]

I could listen to both of y’all for hours, Cory is such an intelligent/wise person! appreciate his in-depth understanding of everything

[@marquisesmart880]

make this top comment not that gay shi

[@sat8959]

He's like a self-aware Dom Cruz.

[@aontaithe-]

You know Luke came in his pants when he found out he was having a sit down w Cory

[@kelvo1987]

Meeting if the 🧠s

[@toastwoozi]

sit down, pants down

[@kelvo1987]

@@toastwoozi no pants 😜

[@spacentime7]

🤣😂

[@amoakodarkwa2616]

They were at his ankles😂 Wasn’t even in the pants bro

[@Highsen]

"doing good, how are you?" "WERE HERE WITH CORY SANDHAGEN HOW DID YOU MEET RYAN HALL"

[@Last_Chance.]

Cory is one of the most cerebral fighters in the game today.

[@AXharoth]

100%

[@P3t3rminator]

Such a great conversation. Just getting directly to the point and trying to get them essences crystallized. Luke talking to someone who got his head on right is a pleasure to listen do. Now let's get Brian to do Mike Perry in such an intimate setting.

[@benmcreynolds8581]

It's really cool to see cory give O'malley props because i think they both have some of the best fight IQ & abilities to utilize their fight IQ. So it's cool to see mutual respect even if you are wanting to compete against them. I just respect that a lot.

[@nickvaldes9833]

Cory is such a student and master learner man. This convo and his with Joe and other interviewers just blow my mind at how open and analytical he is about his game and the game in general

[@RLS_91]

My favorite fighter , love the sandman. So stoked for this interview!

[@connor8558]

Same here! Him and Dustin💎

[@jupiter619]

One of my fav interviews. Love Cory's rants

[@DaveAndColesPodcast]

This was a really great interview. LT at his best with an interview partner that can meet and speak to him in similar terms. Always great to see CS in long form discussions. Very well done to all.

[@namkablam]

I would love to see Luke and Cory play Dance Dance Revolution LOL

[@louiematarazzo]

I’ve been trying to think so long who Sean reminds me of, thank you so much Cory , malibus most wanted, that killed me hahaha

[@ThatMexicanMMADude]

I almost spit my water when he said that... "Malibu's most wanted" 🤣

[@ryc5513]

Cory: I've been with this team since 5 years ago. Luke: How long have you been with this team? Somewhere, BC is shaking his damn head. 😅

[@benmcreynolds8581]

It will be so exciting to see Cory vs O'malley someday. They are both some of the most diverse & dynamic fighters. It would really be a battle of fight IQ & unique talent. I wish he didn't get injured so we could of had this match but it makes sense that the Chito fight happens when everyone else was recovering from a injury. I'm excited to see any of the future fights in this division. It's without a doubt the most talented division.

[@benmcreynolds8581]

@@jareddotson8516 it would be interesting because Sean has shown he is capable of defending grappling & mixing it up alongside his other abilities. It would definitely be one of the highest level chess matches in MMA. So much so that i would be interested in watching them compete 10 times or best of 7 like the NBA finals. They each are so physically talented and also so Mentally talented, when it comes to fight IQ & how they utilize it in the moment of a fight. It's so awesome to watch.

[@ThatMexicanMMADude]

Sandhagen vs O'Malley has been one of my dream fights for years, their striking exchanges will be the most skillful display of mma striking today imo. I really hope O'Malley defends against Chito & fights Sandhagen next, it'll be that much more intriguing if it's for a world title.

[@benmcreynolds8581]

@@ThatMexicanMMADude i hope so too but even if it doesn't work out like that, I'd love to see them compete no matter what. I admire the willingness of the best of the best being willing to compete against the best. So with that being said, if one of these fighters lose I'm not going to stop enjoying watching them compete. Win or lose i just love watching them test themselves and push their own limits, see where their skill levels can achieve. I wish more people in the MMA/boxing community can appreciate this aspect of combat sports but so many people have shown to be so all or nothing, right or wrong, black or white.. like with this most recent volk loss... People turned or at least doubted him a ton after that. When in reality it was insane he took that risk on 10 days notice, cut all that weight, he was not in fight shape due to his surgery keeping him from training.. and he got wobbled in the first couple minutes and so many people switched up and started saying a bunch of stuff.. Like volk didn't just take a huge dumb risk.. props to Islam but don't give up on volk. Just like don't give up on these awesome match ups we have in the bantamweight division just because if someone loses here, or loses there? Idk.. i just wish we can enjoy good, high level mma even if not every fight goes the right way.. (if any of that makes sense. Sorry to ramble on)

[@ChristoMac]

For some reason I keep coming back to this. Cory is a legit scientist, and speaks knowledge.

[@jdrum208]

Cory is that dude. My favorite fighter in MMA

[@MikeySkywalker]

4:54 You know Luke was like drooling 🤤 when Cory was giving this long winded answer. No need to apologize Cory! 😂

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Great talk. Thanks Luke, Cory and MK Team.

[@SegaGenesisEvangelion]

I love when Luke gets to talk to someone who makes him actually seem happy for once lol, great interview fellas. "If Chito wins... that might even make me champ!" lmao!

[@jennysedgley8284]

Luke you have a real talent for ferreting out thoughtful, intelligent people to interview. The discussion on purpose was marvellous.

[@bvaugh11]

This is the type of long-form interview we need when it comes to MMA. No hyperbole or clickbait injection but thoughtful questions and analysis. Cory Sandhagen was refreshingly honest which seems to be becoming rarer and rarer in the MMA space.

[@theonce-ler7732]

Cool to see Cory give O’Malley props, I think that’s the most exciting fight the UFC can make in that division and it’s a striker’s delight.

[@Mattisin]

This is your best fighter interview. Love it

[@steelob5693]

I love this guy he's the real deal. Can't wait to see you be a champ.. sandhagen

[@cuylerballenger]

your combo of personal, business and technical fight stuff is perfect. good guest and would gladly watch others. good stuff Luke

[@371shittyprismax5]

Great interview. These kind of interviews are one of Luke's strongest suits. It sucks that he has beef with tons of fighters and managers

[@rustyshackleford4958]

Sick. Stoked for this one

[@Iamcg3]

Really enjoyed this

[@WizardofAus97]

Great interview

[@truckerdan5978]

Amazing interview 👏

[@TheJerkHead1]

Such a great interview

[@litttdripp7492]

Dope interview

[@TexasRed2112]

such a great conversation to listen to. excellent work once again LT

[@Skooby59]

Stellar interview

[@Halbumen]

this was an awesome listen, guys

[@TheTjSquire]

Been hitting refresh looking for this for an hour.

[@ameliathemonkey585]

One of my all time favorite interview. Great job to both

[@archiekeen376]

Such a good interview Luke, your insight gets the most out of fighters in an interview setting. This was great

[@TexasBrent]

GREAT stuff

[@whereismy5ht]

What a gem thank you guys!

[@johnmooney7378]

What a fantastic interview. Great stuff.

[@brandonnewell4081]

Out of every fighter interview I've seen, this is my favorite.

[@jayramos6942]

Thank you Luke & Corey for this interview. It was crazy insightful

[@BJJSubArtist]

Appreciate the interview Luke and Cory's responses, he has an interesting perspective on fighting and life. Thoughtful guy.

[@buhlake3391]

Good stuff Luke! Can't wait to see Cory vs o'malley!

[@M_WH]

Really great interview! Fantastic questions and cerebral answers

[@7irishrock]

Put this content straight into my veins!!! Thanks MK

[@Kocain]

One of the best interviews I've seen in a long time

[@SnOwL5]

I could listen to these 2 talk all day

[@calatianupriser]

One of the best interviews ive seen in some time. Very good stuff.

[@mikeymouse3941]

I have a lot of other videos on my watchlist that I was ready to hit play on. I thought I’d give this a listen for a minute or 2 before closing it out because I only have so much time to dedicate to videos and UFC, but you both held my full attention the full way thru. Excellent interview!!

[@wyasina]

great interview good questions and thoughtful answers

[@Quiron1985]

Watched the whole interview and time flew by. That's a very good thing.

[@TheMutantProductions]

Great interview Luke. Some great late night listening for me

[@thewalkingdunning-krugeref9664]

This went about how I expected. Great chat.

[@FightingandFinance]

Great interview. Loved the detailed breakdown of the art of MMA

[@007Straggler]

Wow, that was intellectual, and informative. What wonderful analysis. Thoughtful is the word, really insightful, I'm so impressed with you both.

[@depthsofhell]

Thank you kind sir

[@Mockracy]

Very nice and informative interview.

[@user-zo7vp6zl3z]

beautifully spoken by both. tremendous listen.

[@parker02]

Best Sandhagen interview to date, thank you for this

[@dheerajsharma7252]

This interview is a Masterpiece, Luke. This is the best format to do an interview. Sandhagen is a genius.

[@toastwoozi]

cory: "hey how are you" luke: "fuck you"

[@nathanfernandes4611]

Sandhagens face was hilarious after that

[@borawastaken]

This mofo always gives borderline autistic vibes. 😂

[@WizardofAus97]

😂😂😂😂

[@WizardofAus97]

Was this at the very start u mean

[@paulholland3976]

Just watched this twice back to back. Appreciate Corey's philosophy on life just as much as the fight talk. Stellar interview.

[@alexdymytrov9159]

Luke & Corey, thank you for this beautiful conversation. Luke, you are the best martial arts media analyst and your approach to the game is much appreciated, your interviews are the best as they are trying to reach the essence of the art. Thank you.

[@kah-vl8ti]

Nice job, Luke. Great questions and good job getting out of the way. So many good insights from Cory.

[@cameronmartino1994]

Luke is so good man, great interview, been a fan for such a long time now!

[@inlikesin9436]

Awesome interview. Very interesting convo

[@frzpop]

Excellent interview! Rooting for Cory!

[@tyronnehughes7319]

Excellent interview. Truly insightful and entertaining

[@vincentvandervelden3554]

Thank you Cory and Luke Mega insightfull

[@baxeto2595]

Damn… I was already a fan of Cory, but this interview might make him my favorite fighter. Fantastic questions and phenomenal responses! I need you guys to catch-up like this every year.

[@amykushcol]

I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this, but I really did. 35 minutes in, the analysis of life and current times, very interesting. These cerebral sit-downs are awesome.

[@prestongregory7231]

This is the greatest video I possible could’ve opened my KZbin to

[@chrisp6829]

Bro I fucking love this conversation! My favorite fighter being asked really good incitful questions I want to know. Could listen to 6 more hours of this and pretty much anything Corey talks about

[@TheDevilMusic69]

Great interview. I appreciate Cory's thoughtfulness.

[@TomHardysCousin]

Awesome stuff Luke. Great job letting him speak. He’s an interesting character. Unfortunately not one that’s got the most buzz, but he deserves it. Would love to see more of this.

[@degui1224]

How can anyone not like this dude. Smart as fuck and just great human being in general.

[@mentalglitch9603]

I’ve watched a lot of Sandhagen interviews, they’re all good, but this one was great. I could listen to Luke and Cory talk MMA all day

[@kosta764]

this is definitely one of the best interviews on MK

[@unionriza4674]

Been waiting for this for a couple years now

[@HipocratesAG]

Luke this is awesome work, look how confortable is Cory keep it up.... great work! Kudos.

[@andrewbrundin6953]

Good interview luke 👍🏼

[@joshuawhinery208]

Id love to see luke do more of these 1 on 1 interviews with ultra cerebral fighters; also, Sandhagen is smart AF! great chat, and loved the rants he went on; kudos to Luke for letting the train of thought and conversation keep rolling

[@johnatlas3452]

Great interview. Cory rules

[@jcjeffpfa]

Excellent interview Luke! Asked really meaningful questions that helped understand just how Cory's mind operates.

[@joeladames7579]

Great interview. More of these 1 on 1s

[@InfamousAustinT0]

Great interview here. Cory is a great guest.

[@roseagain2]

Great interview. "Thoughtful" young man.

[@metrodetroitbaseballclub7672]

Great interview. Thank you for this. Cory is a great sportsman.

[@rakettespen]

This is great

[@logician32gaming31]

i hope the stars align because ive been waiting for Cory vs Sean for so long.

[@eremiassandbk7403]

These interviews are so good, LT is hands down the best interviewer in the game.

[@pete7674]

Excellent interview. Really appreciate the depth. Cory will make a fine fight analyst after he retires.

[@LuizZ1233]

MY BOY LUKAS DROPPING SOME CONTENT, LETSSSSSSSS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@smb_plush]

This is a fantastic interview. Sandhagen is one of the most insightful fighters out there.

[@jaylopez4172]

This is all I can ask of today. Excellent surprise.