Rob font (left) tries to avoid falling Cory Sandhagen (dir.) in UFC Nashville. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFC
With an opponent scheduled at the last minute, Cory Sandhagen strictly followed the strategy outlined for its presentation at the UFC Nashville. Protagonist of this Saturday's event (5), the former challenger for the interim bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg.) was pragmatic and canceled Rob font in a 25-minute challenge. After five rounds, the athlete was declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges.
Initially, Sandhagen was scheduled to face Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's promising undefeated cousin. The Russian, however, suffered an injury on the eve of the show, which forced the prospect to leave the card.
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With the victory, Cory reaches the mark of three positive results in a row. The fighter also defended fourth place in the bantamweight rankings.
Annulled by his opponent, Font was able to present little to the spectators. Victim of his rival's falls, the veteran momentarily loses the opportunity to return to the top 5 in the division.
It didn't shine, but it took
The fight started with Sandhagen taking the initiative with a jab. Still in the first few seconds, Cory looked for a takedown, but Font protected himself, risking a guillotine choke. On the ground, Rob was aggressive in defense and used jiu-jitsu. Afterwards, Sandhagen managed to free himself and remained on his feet. In the center of the octagon, Cory managed to take down the opponent and started to hit his opponent. On top, Sandhagen threw punches and elbows from top to bottom and avoided his opponent's reaction. Almost in the final minute, Rob managed to stay on his feet and the fight was fought again in the center of the octagon. Near the end of the stage, Font saved an opponent's shot and Sandhagen ended up losing his balance. Rob started up, but there was no more time.
In the second round, Font took the initiative and struck with jabs. Sandhagen applied the takedown again in the opening seconds. Time passed and Cory was on top, preventing his opponent from recovering. Without further action, the public began to show discomfort with the lack of combativeness between the athletes. With two minutes remaining, Sandhagen continued to dominate, even without force.
The third round began with the fighters exchanging jabs in the center of the octagon. For the first time in the confrontation, the duel became frank, but, soon after, Sandhagen took down, taking his rival to the ground. On top, Cory continued to limit the actions of his opponent, who was unable to stay on his feet. The public continued to show irritation with the athletes' performance. In the final seconds, Font managed to stay on his feet, but there were no further attacks.
The fourth round began with Cory applying the takedown right at the beginning, an action that earned a loud boo from the fans. Font continued to find it difficult to defend his opponent's attacks and continued to play with his back on the ground. With two minutes left in the round, Font continued to try to get to his feet, but was prevented from doing so by his rival. Even without force, Sandhagen was effective and followed his strategy to the letter, nullifying his opponent.
In the last round, Font launched a front kick in the opening second. Sandhagen began to circulate in the octagon and adopted a conservative stance. Still in the first minute, it was Rob's turn to get the takedown. Cory defended himself, but was pressed against the bars. Afterwards, Sandhagen managed to reverse the position and, unlike his opponent, was effective in the takedown. On top, Cory tried to attack with ground and pound, but Font protected himself well. Almost halfway through the round, Cory used a hand triangle and tried to force his opponent to give up. Font tried to resist, but the situation was dramatic. Font showed calmness and managed to escape his opponent's attempt. Even though he failed in his submission attempt, Sandhagen remained in an advantageous position. The fight ended with Cory dominating on top.
UFC Nashville Results
MAIN CARD
Married weight (up to 63,5 kg): Cory Sandhagen derrotou Rob font in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Straw weight (up to 52,1kg): Tatiana Suarez placeholder image finished Jessica Stacker with a guillotine 1m31s from R2
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): dustin jacoby derrotou Kennedy Nzechukwu by technical knockout at 1m22s of R1
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Diego lopes finished Gavin tucker with a triangle 1m38s from R1
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Tanner Boser derrotou Aleksa Camur in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg): Ludovit Klein derrotou Ignatius Bahamondes in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Kyler Phillips derrotou Raoni barcelos in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Carlston Harris finished Jeremiah Wells with a hand triangle at 1m50s from R3
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Billy quarantillo derrotou Damon Jackson in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,9kg): cody durden derrotou Jake Hadley in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Sean Woodson derrotou Dennis Buzukja in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,9kg): Asu Almabaev defeated Ode' Osbourne via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:11 of R2
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