'I don't care about the ranking,' says Sandhagen after winning the title in Abu Dhabi
Dubai: When Corey Sandagen steps into the Octagon at the Etihad Arena for UFC night on August 3, it will be with a growing sense of familiarity.
The 32-year-old American is set to face Umar Nurmagomedov in a bantamweight bout next week, the third time he has visited Abu Dhabi's Yas Island.
With one win and one loss in Abu Dhabi, Sandhagen is gearing up for the match against the rising star from Dagestan, the capital of the UAE.
“I am preparing my best for everything that comes in the fight,” Sandhagen told Arab News.
“Learning and understanding the ways he fights, the ways he fights, the ways he strikes,” he added. “Making sure I'm not going to avoid anything because I know with guys who have such unique styles, it's really easy for people to go in and think it's going to be one thing. Of course it's not.”
Sandhagen (17-4-0) is on a three-fight winning streak, and another win in Abu Dhabi should give him a shot at the title belt.
“I definitely think so. I don't think there's anyone else in the division who can beat (these opponents),” Sandhagen said. “(Yadong) Song is a top 10 guy, Chito (Marlon Vera) is a top 10 guy, and (Rob) Font, when I fought him, was a top 10 guy.
“A lot of those wins were really impressive,” he added. “A stop against Sang, winning every round against Chito, and then winning every round against Font – I think I've definitely had the most impressive performances against some of the best guys. I think the big up-end is known as one of the better prospects in the division. -The fight against Kamer, the win against him, I think for me that (title shot) would definitely be stronger.
Sandhagen dismisses any suggestion he should lose in Abu Dhabi to his 10th-ranked opponent, who holds a 17-0-0 record as a second-ranked bantamweight fighter.
“I don't care about rankings. “If people are better than me, I want them to put the belt on me,” he said. is worthy I don't care about rankings. I don't care about losing things.
“I want to be the best guy champion, and if I think I'm the best guy, I'm going to have to go out and prove that regardless of (my opponent), regardless of the ranking, no matter what. They've fought in the UFC,” Colorado said. said the native. “If Omar is better than me, I want him to beat me, that means he's earned it. If I beat Omar, that means I'm better than him and I've won the title. That's the way I approach fights. We'll see. Is he better than me?”
Sandhagen has already performed twice in Abu Dhabi, first defeating Marlon Moraes at the Flash Forum in October 2021 before losing to Petr Yan at the Etihad Arena a year later. He looks back on both experiences fondly.
“It was great, I honestly love that part of the world,” he said. “My first time there was when I went out and fought with Marlon. I love that part of the world, I thought the hospitality was crazy, so kind. The hotels were really great.
He also praised the local fans.
“I don't really remember hearing a ton of boos there. I think the demographic of the fans is a lot different than American, in that they're not really big boos. They still root for their guy, but I think that part of the world has a deep, rich history in martial arts. And I think what they're most interested in is seeing good fights and seeing high-level performers.
“The Middle East has some of the best fighters in the world. Those areas around the Middle East have some of the best fighters in the world, and there's a deep, rich culture in martial arts. I love the fans in Abu Dhabi. I think they're very kind and fair.”
Abu Dhabi has been a UFC hub for many years, and on June 22 Saudi Arabia hosted the first ever UFC Fight Night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Sandhagen believes hosting events in the area has boosted the UFC and its roster of fighters.
“I think it's wonderful,” he said. “The more globalization that the UFC gets, the more opportunities we have. More than anything, man, I think it's really cool that fighting is bringing all parts of the world together.
“Right now, Dagestani guys are really hot, and people here are really loving it, really enjoying it,” he added. “It put Dagestan on the map. I didn't know where it was before, and I think (that's) a very good aspect of what the UFC is doing. It's bringing us all a little closer.”
Sandhagen hopes the UFC's expansion into the region will also produce more local fighters in the coming years, something he's happy to play a part in.
“One of my favorite things about going to UFC fights is that I'm usually very motivated,” he said. “Inspired to get better at fighting, but I also feel very inspired by people, some fighters and the way they can go out and perform. I think if you can add a touch of motivation to someone's life, it can make a big difference.”
