Cory Sandhagen dominates an unrecognizable Marlon Vera and wins the main fight of UFC San Antonio

C. Sandhagen beat M. Vera at UFC San Antonio (Photo: Instagram/@ufc_brasil)

The main fight of UFC San Antonio did not deliver the entertainment promised to fans, but it will affect the top-5 of the bantamweight division (up to 61,2kg). Faced with an apathetic Marlon Vera, Cory Sandhagen he dominated the fight from start to finish, punished his rival in striking and grappling and got closer to a new title fight in the category.

Former challenger for the interim belt, Sandhagen definitively put an end to his bad phase and achieved his second consecutive victory in the most famous octagon in the world. The 'Sandman' adds another positive result to his record and now boasts a record of 16 triumphs and four setbacks.

Fueled by four triumphs, Vera was once again defeated in Ultimate, something that hadn't happened since December 2020. The Ecuadorian now has 22 triumphs, eight setbacks and one draw as a professional in the sport.

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THE FIGHT

Sandhagen started the fight trying to pressure Vera and using low kicks as a weapon. The two athletes exchanged some low kicks, while Sandhagen continued using kicks. Chito seemed to find it difficult to respond to the North American's blows, while Cory approached using combinations and trying to corner the Ecuadorian. Without much difficulty, Sandhagen took Vera down and started attacking using ground and pound. On top of that, Cory continued to punish Marlon with punches and elbows to the face.

In the second half, Sandhagen returned to cornering Marlon, working his combinations well and soon got into Vera's legs, causing him to fall. On top, Cory once again punished his rival with punches and elbows using ground and pound. Without Vera being able to present herself in a dignified manner until then, Cory continued pacing his rival on the ground. The two athletes returned to the center of the cage and began exchanging some high kicks until the end of the round.

Vera started the third round by risking a high kick, but was soon answered with a combination from Cory. The duel went back to standing, with Marlon having difficulty finding space, while Sandhagen continued with fluid striking, landing good combinations on the Ecuadorian's face. Marlon landed a low kick, followed by a sequence of rights, which landed cleanly on Sandhagen's face.

Sandhagen started the fourth half by hitting Vera with good combinations, trying to get a takedown, which was quickly rejected by the Ecuadorian. Cory worked on combinations and tried a flying knee, which bumped into Marlon's guard. The Ecuadorian continued to find it difficult to 'find' the North American in the octagon, while Cory, aware of his victory so far, began to 'manage' the fight.

In the last stage, Sandhagen came back more aggressive, willing not to let the victory slip away. The North American quickly sought the takedown and put the Ecuadorian down. Vera got up quickly, but Cory continued pinning him to the fence until halfway through the round. In the final minute, Sandhagen started to circulate around the octagon, cooling down the fight and trying not to get scared by fighting at close range. Marlon still tried for a takedown but Sandhagen quickly removed him from the position. The Ecuadorian still exploded in the final seconds but the bell sounded decreeing the end of the confrontation.