Cory Sandhagen: UFC Indicated Title Shot on Line vs. Umar Nurmagomedov, Wants Sean O'Malley

Cory Sandhagen talks to MMA Junkie's Farah Hannoun ahead of his main event vs. Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on Aug. 4.
00:00 - Interview begins
03:19 - Why he accepted Umar Nurmagomedov
08:53 - Will Umar stand with him?
17:49 - No. 1 contender bout at bantamweight
19:02 - Predicts Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
21:40 - React to Jose Aldo's return at UFC 301
24:39 - Prediction for Nurmagomedov fight
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#UFCAbuDhabi #CorySandhagen #UmarNurmagomedov

[@ryanb8736]

Nothing easy about fighting Umar. He’s super accurate and super dangerous. Kudos to Cory for taking this highest risk fight.

[@timurjack8773]

Its not high risk since Cory was promised a title shot if he wins vs Umar.

[@ItsReplayBro]

@@timurjack8773it’s high risk because he’s fighting a guy who lets be honest, hasn’t earned a #1 contender fight. I am a huge Umar fan but it’s very commendable of Cory to give Umar this chance 🤙🏾

[@cloudmaster182]

Its called high risk-high reward. Fighting someone as skilled as umar is ingerently high risk lmao. A lot of guys wouldnt take the fight without that incentive ​@timurjack8773

[@cloudmaster182]

​@@timurjack8773 fighting anyone as good as Umar is inherently risky. It's called "high risk-high reward". A lot of guys wouldn't take the fight (risk) unless they were promised a title shot after (reward)

[@raiwatsagdeo1752]

Can't miss a sandhagen interview!

[@itmghtgtdrk]

and we really can't miss a sandhagen fight!!!

[@zStC1]

​@@itmghtgtdrkcould miss the chito fight in hindsight 😂

[@ItsReplayBro]

@@zStC1I was there live for the font fight. It wasn’t the most fun at all. We literally watched Dana leave 😂

[@jim3541]

@@ItsReplayBro no u werent stop lying lol

[@moisesfloresjr.3361]

the dog sqeaking was so funny lol Cory's response had me xD @4:32

[@rdhowlivihr1786]

Should be ufc analyst after retired

[@HustleHardimon]

He's like a more likeable Dominick Cruz.

[@jmz2144]

​@@HustleHardimonI hope he fights Cruz

[@HustleHardimon]

@jmz2144 I still have nightmares about how Cory got Frankie Edgar. I don't wanna seen Cruz get done the same way.

[@TheLooseJoints]

the max holloway of the bantamweight division, love his mindset to accept all the tough matches he can, win or lose.

[@timurjack8773]

Cory is a good fighter, but Max won the title many times, not comparable.

[@jonde4445]

More like the Alexander Gustafson of the bantamweight division, always whining about a title shot but not good enough to ever be champ

[@xTrekles]

This woman is such a great interviewer. This is my first time watching her. Her questions are great!

[@AXharoth]

true true

[@takecbd889]

Sandhagen is a true warrior stepping up to fight Umar. No one wanted any Umar smoke, especially up the rankings.

[@j-wei4603]

That's a lie, people didn't want fight him cuz he's high risk low reward. No ranked wins or merit to speak of.

[@takecbd889]

@@j-wei4603 That's exactly what I said lol, give your head a good shake

[@ryanb8736]

@@j-wei4603Umar is the highest risk with no reward, until he becomes champ. Umar will be champ next year. This is a repeat of Khabib and Islam. I called both of them and now calling Umar. Umar is super dangerous and is a spectacular fighter. He a great kid. Cory is taking a high risk here, so Dana needs to make this a title contender fight. Umar will win. I don’t blame anyone not wanting to fight him. They can fight him when he’s champ for huge money. I wouldn’t want to fight Umar for low pay. Heck no.

[@user-in6od4zs6d]

I don't see how Cory can handle Umar... Cory's striking is not a problem for Umar. Umar will dominate him by judo sambo, grappling and take down easily.

[@alexgonzalez8954]

I hope Corey smokes him but I know he ain’t gonna. This guy likes to get in his own way

[@ciaracet0716]

Cory and Max are my 2 favorite fighters in the UFC rn

[@AlexanderKostal]

Same!

[@langtryvlogme]

Do you like Parker Porter? 🍆

[@jakethesnake4971]

Seriously, how can you not love Cory

[@charliec2966]

WORST CAREER MANAGEMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE UFC.

[@ryanb8736]

Huge respect for him fighting Umar. Dana better pay Cory very well. Umar is dangerous.

[@jonde4445]

Because he’s a boring lay and pray wannabe striker

[@AXharoth]

he's a bit dorky , thats prob why some people dont liek him

[@pixiponpon]

Awesome interview as always Farah!! 😃🫶

[@solomontruthlover5308]

Not everyone has the cardio machine that khabib did, not even Islam

[@crazypato3752]

Tony?

[@ryanb8736]

Umar is up there though. Khabib pushes him extremely hard.

[@ryanb8736]

Khabib was not human. Thats why we never seen him bruise or bleed. Hes one of a kind.

[@AXharoth]

@@crazypato3752 Tony is a demon but he cant wrestle like khabib

[@topofthefoodchainmma4545]

Farah is a real journalist.

[@Nighthawk2211]

Great interview!

[@6minutespotlightwrestling]

Great interview

[@micahasher7600]

Cory is getting interviewed by a ghost

[@HazeH21]

Cory Vs Sean might be the sickest stylistic match up in the ufc right now. Such a sick fight

[@AW-su2st]

4 min in and I like Cory. I like Umar normally as a potential new talent but like Corys attitude.

[@shain46]

Sandhagen one of the few real martial artists in the ufc top ranks

[@danieltzach8008]

"What was your opinion when you were told the fight is in Abu Dhabi?" Corey: "aaaahhhhhhh ***i got paid a BAG to win***** aaaahhhh"

[@javiervenegas6714]

No disrespect to Cory but the last time he fought wrestlers it didn’t go so well. His last 3 opponents have been strikers. Chito and Font have 0 TTD as well..

[@j-wei4603]

Umar's last 3 opponents were either old or junkers.

[@ItsameAlex]

I feel like he improves at a higher rate than most fighters..

[@javiervenegas6714]

@@j-wei4603 we all said the same about O’Malley until he fought Yan. Close fight but Umar needs an opportunity and Cory is going to give him one .

[@javiervenegas6714]

@@ItsameAlex Cory? He looks good against other strikers with bad takedown defense. If he can take Umar down or even stop him that’s super impressive

[@Misterman214]

“Wrestlers” like you’re not solely referring to Aljamain alone, A fight 4 years ago which even caused a big change in Corey’s fighting

[@Taiwanumber2]

Hard to dislike cory always liked his style

[@adamhernandez8847]

“I know you don’t like to predict fights so I’m just gonna ask how do u envision your fight will go ?” Goofy ass questions

[@crazypato3752]

Tbf with that question she is not implying a concrete prediction of how he sees himself winning but more like how the fight would go between the two. Like saying "This fights is going to be a war/Chess match/ We Will grapple a lot"

[@keyboardwarrior6591]

Your English sucks

[@davidharcula2933]

Still i am looking at A different fight and just be ready

[@TheJordan1960]

Great fight! Umar 4th round submission 🤙🏽

[@sesshoinkiara5703]

It would be best for Sandhagen to go to Abu Dhabi two months before the match. That place is like the Dagestani boy's headquarters

[@davidharcula2933]

Stt ur lost dude its ur heart n soul and if ur A winner with ur Life f the fight games fans.there not ur parents or family or God good luck ur A good man and ur actions daily chores and life challenges and choices ur A winner 🏆😭

[@JColeJ97]

Been saying for years we need Cory vs suga. I think it’s the worst matchup for suga. All of Sean’s opponents have been shorter and willing to stand and fight. Cory would probably try to take him down and beat on him.

[@mindsoundmeditation7962]

Suga v. Sandman has GOAT BW fight written all over it!

[@Larryridgeway]

Umar hasn't beat a ranked fight but is in a title eliminatior 🤣

[@crazypato3752]

I still wonder if Cory hasn't gotten injured would the UFC still had given the title shot to Chito ?

[@ItsameAlex]

cool

[@iim4494]

cory da man

[@davidharcula2933]

Still u mean A beast and bad ass mo fo ur A professional that's why ur A fighter still?

[@user-in6od4zs6d]

This is the 1st time ever 135 title shot for Dagestan's family in UFC and Belator. Umar is not much different from Khabib, Islam and Usman. I don't think Cory could handle them.

[@langtryvlogme]

Sandhagen outclassed Chito before it was cool 🥶

[@davidharcula2933]

Stt if ur change or help any kids or adults with they life problems by ur example out 4 us to lean from thk u

[@cheddarhead294]

The Little girl from the Addams family interviewing Sandhagen

[@rumchata6569]

Easy w for Cory

[@davidharcula2933]

Still like The NBA League and player promote basketball 🏀 n health and freedom to everyone worlds 😔 widee

[@davidharcula2933]

Still i am i do i lv all spirts n professional athlete is A reason for all countries to participate in Ll venue's

[@coffeeyouu]

The wizard 🐉Corey gets to play again soon let’s gooo!! Hope they don’t discredit his win because Umar has not been tested yet but word on the street is Umar is better than his brother Usman who’s been the Bellator champ for awhile!

[@ryanb8736]

Umar will win. He’s amazing and is trained by the best. He’s definitely next champ.

[@coffeeyouu]

@@ryanb8736 Maybe in the future down the line but this is Corey's time right now Coreys IQ and skills is insane in 2024

[@ryanb8736]

@@coffeeyouu Cory won’t beat Umar. You’ll see. Umar is way too good. Umar is also way too dangerous. He’s on another level and trained by the best. I love Cory and wish he got to fight Sean first for the belt, but now that will come to an end. Umar will have the belt next year. Cory will have to get a rematch.

[@coffeeyouu]

@@ryanb8736 Time will tell 🤙

[@NeoValeTudo]

He and the volkman would be the best commentators, cory more likely bc he’s american

[@Naksu..]

Umar weakness pizza and coke

[@davidharcula2933]

Still i vlad ur health ygood n ur strong enough to be there but if m when u lise sorry

[@bb-sd6di]

Cory you better beat Umar

[@ryanb8736]

That’s impossible.

[@jmz2144]

By flying knee 🙏

[@bb-sd6di]

@@ryanb8736Umar gonna get slept

[@ryanb8736]

@@bb-sd6di No he won’t. Cory will get beat though. Umar is many levels above Cory. I’m a huge Cory fan too, but I’ve watched Umar since a kid. Umar is next champ. Not many will disagree neither.

[@georgivasilev8428]

​@ryanb8736 why? Is he immortal?

[@GamesWithBrainz]

Cory better try for a finish the whole fight because if it goes to decision hes not getting it in abu dhabi against umar

[@RiazAli-ol2ws]

Who got robbed in Abu Dhabi Like stop the cap 🤬

[@Eruilung]

Umar will humble him 😂😂

[@bradycrain4077]

Cory is as humble as they come, he doesn't need humbling. Yall need to learn these definitions before running around calling everyone else casuals.

[@ryanb8736]

Cory is very humble. Umar will win though. Great experience for Cory to fight an elite fighter like Umar. Shows what courage Cory has. Huge props to Cory.

[@user-in6od4zs6d]

Cory has no chance against Umar.

[@jim3541]

Are you slow? He literally one of the most humble fighters in the Ufc, Tf lol

[@bradycrain4077]

I think cory is going to dominate umar, this will be the first one of khabibs pupils to be stopped. Cory is way ahead of Umar in competition/experience and from what he's been saying in previous interviews, he's worked really hard from what we saw in his last performances. I haven't really kept up with umar as much as khabib and islam, but I know he's really good, but I think he has catching up to do from what I have seen.

[@charliec2966]

O'MALLEY KO'D THE GOAT ALJO...CRAZY ENTERTAINING. SANDHAGEN SNOOZEFEST AGAINST ROB FONT. SANDHAGEN GOT SUBMITTED BY ALJO IN 30 SECONDS.

[@ryanb8736]

Give Cory credit for fighting Umar. This fight won’t be boring. Very explosive fight.

[@stackpapereveryday5682]

Cory had a big chance of beating Umar. Umar wrestling better hold up.

[@ryanb8736]

My money is on Umar. Cory is a boss for taking this high risk.

[@jakethesnake4971]

The only person I can see beating Cory is Merab. What do you guys think?

[@bradycrain4077]

I dont think think anyone in bantamweight beats cory right now, merab definitely has the highest chance tho.

[@j-wei4603]

​@@bradycrain4077yan can do it again

[@ryanb8736]

Umar will beat him. Sad because I love Cory, but Umar is super dangerous.

[@user-in6od4zs6d]

Cory not even a champ bro. Everybody can beat him.

[@charliec2966]

WORST MANAGEMENT OF A CAREER IN UFC HISTORY. WHAT IS THIS GUY DOING?

[@dougpearson4711]

Too bad he has turned into one of the most boring fighters to watch in the UFC!

[@bradycrain4077]

Why? Because he had 1 boring fight, and the people like you are the ones running around spamming casual on every mma post lol.

[@ryanb8736]

Him and Umar will be far from boring. Very explosive fight.

[@lLust593]

i hope u w, umar is overrated

[@j-wei4603]

If Cory loses, he'll only have himself to blame for taking this fight

[@ryanb8736]

I give him credit for taking this fight. At least he has big balls. Wish more fighters were this brave. This is also great experience for Cory to fight a guy like Umar. It won’t be boring.

[@ryanb8736]

Cory losing to a guy who’s trained by legendary Abdulmanap, Khabib, Menzez, DC, Islam, Usman, Cain, etc, is nothing to be embarrassed about. Cory is fighting one of the best here. This fight is gonna be insane. Cory feels honored to be fighting a guy like Umar. Both very humble guys. True class.

[@aboodthebest7726]

Just like justin gaethje

[@j-wei4603]

@@ryanb8736 umar's last opponent had a fake record, Barcelos was never good and Brian Kelleher is fucking Brian Kelleher. If Cody loses, it'll be a huge disappointment for him.

[@ryanb8736]

@@j-wei4603 Umars last opponent was Bekzat. That kid was super dangerous and will also walk through the entire division too. You kids keep saying fake record. 🤣 I remember you all saying Khabibs fake record, while he embarrassed everyone and not one person couldn’t put a mark on him. You haters made UFC fighters look even worse.

[@Fen3rbahce]

Damn she beat Cory in paleness