Cory Sandhagen says he will consider himself 'lineal champion' if he beats Petr Yan at UFC 267

C. Sandhagen faces P. Yan in the UFC 267. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

On the 30th of October, Cory Sandhagen will have the opportunity to compete for the interim Ultimate belt, when he replaces aljamain sterling and stare Petr yan No. UFC 267. Despite holding the provisional title, the North American says he will consider himself 'lineal champion', in case of victory over the Russian. The statement was made in an interview with the podcast 'The MMA Hour'.

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“I think (I will be considered linear champion), yes. Everyone sees (Petr) Yan as the champion and the best in the division. A victory over him will mean a lot. It never feels real until it actually is, and now I'm fighting for the belt – even if it's the interim belt – and it feels like I'm the champion,” said Sandhagen.

The interim title shot comes to Cory after losing a fight. In his last appearance, he put up a balanced fight, but was defeated by TJ Dillashaw, in the main fight of the UFC Las Vegas 32.

On the other hand, before the setback, he had achieved a series of nine victories in ten fights and was close to a linear dispute. The American currently has a record of 14 positive results – including victories over John Lineker, Raphael Assunção, Marlon moraes e Frankie Edgar – and three negatives.