C. Sandhagen and TJ Dillashaw starred UFC Las Vegas 32 Photo: Instagram
the return of TJ Dillashaw to professional MMA happened in a spectacular way. In an electrifying and highly technical duel against Cory Sandhagen, the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg) won by split decision from the judges. The confrontation headlined the UFC Las Vegas 32 that occurred on Saturday night (24).
At 35 years old, Dillashaw returns in style and could face the winner of the duel between the division champion aljamain sterling e Petr yan, who should face each other later this year. The former category leader has a record of 17 wins and four losses in his career.
Current number two in the ranking, Cory Sandhagen returns a few steps in the organization after this defeat. With a history of 14 triumphs and three setbacks, the 'Sandman' once again feels the bitter taste of a negative result after two fights.
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THE FIGHT
TJ started the fight by surrounding his opponent in the big box without throwing any blows, however, Sandhagen kept him away with low kicks. After Cory attempted a flying knee, the two athletes tangled, but soon got back to their feet. Dillashaw was looking to grab his opponent with the aim of putting the fight down. The former bantamweight champion put Cory down and struck from the top with great force.
Dillashaw returned with the same strategy of putting the fight down but Sandhagen remained firm. Cory found the distance and landed good combinations while TJ tried to respond to all the attacks. The 'Sandman' managed to land a cross that knocked the former champion down, who soon got up. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight after noticing a deep cut near the former belt owner's eye. Dillashaw's right eye was bleeding profusely and he kept cleaning it.
Confident, TJ controlled the center of the Octagon and was the most aggressive fighter in the fight. The former Team Alpha Male athlete put Sandhagen down after a failed shot attempt by his rival. Aloof, Cory didn't stay down for long and soon got up. Even with a more 'reactive' game, the 'Sandman' landed good counter strikes and hurt TJ's face.
Without feeling the physical exhaustion of more than two years without an official fight, TJ continued with more momentum and taking control of the combat actions. Without slowing down either, Sandhagen continued to strike with good combinations and kept the duel highly technical and balanced. After Dillashaw clumsily attacked his rival, Cory landed a beautiful spinning punch that shook the former champion.
The last part followed a similar scenario to the rest of the fight and the two fighters didn't let the pace drop. TJ tried to take Sandhagen's back but was quickly repelled. The number two bantamweight landed a blow to the belt that made the former champion 'make a face'. The final minute passed with both athletes looking for frank exchanges and good blows from both sides, putting an electric end to an electrifying fight.
UFC LAS VEGAS 32 RESULTS
MAIN CARD
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): TJ Dillashaw derrotou Cory Sandhagen in the judges' split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Raulian paiva derrotou Kyler Phillips in the majority decision of the judges (29-28, 28-28, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Darren Elkins defeated Darrick Minner by technical knockout at 3m48s of R2
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Maycee barber derrotou Miranda maverick in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Adrian Yanez defeated Randy Costa by technical knockout at 2m11s of R2
PRELIMINARY CARD
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Brendan allen derrotou Punahele Soriano in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Nassourdine Imavov derrotou Ian Heinisch by technical knockout at 3m09s of R2
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Mickey gall finished jordan williams with a rear naked choke at 2m57s of R1
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Julio Maple derrotou Andrew Ewell by technical knockout at 3m45s of R2
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): sijara eubanks derrotou Elise Reed by technical knockout at 3m49s of R1
Strawweight (up to 52,1kg): Diana Belbița defeated Hannah Goldy via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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