UFC bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen has devised an unconventional strategy as he prepares to face Merab Dvalishvili in their upcoming bantamweight title fight. This highly anticipated matchup is expected to take place toward the end of the year, spotlighting Sandhagen’s attempt to dethrone the reigning champion known for his relentless conditioning.
Insight into Sandhagen’s Strategy Against Merab Dvalishvili’s Conditioning
Merab Dvalishvili recently secured his bantamweight title by submitting Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, marking his second victory over O’Malley in the past nine months and effectively ending their rivalry. Dvalishvili’s remarkable endurance has consistently troubled opponents, including notable wins against Henry Cejudo and Umar Nurmagomedov.
Sandhagen, who witnessed Dvalishvili defend his belt firsthand, brings a new approach to their showdown. He draws a significant lesson from his own fight with Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi, which many regarded as a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender. Sandhagen’s experience in that bout shaped his belief that adapting to an opponent’s style too much can be counterproductive.
In a detailed discussion on The Joe Rogan Experience, Sandhagen described the unique challenge posed by Dvalishvili’s superior stamina:
His conditioning is a superpower that other people don’t get to have, and he weaponizes it in a really smart way,
—Cory Sandhagen, UFC Bantamweight Contender
Sandhagen explained that instead of drastically altering his style to counter Dvalishvili, he aims to focus on becoming the most well-rounded martial artist possible. He said,
“Approaching Merab is going to be unique in its own way, but I don’t need to tailor what it is that I’m doing too much, to Merab. I’ve really bought into this idea where if I can go out and be the best martial artist that there is, in all areas, be able to wrestle with him, strike, grapple with him, if I can be that, I can do it. Against Umar, I didn’t do as good of a job of that, I treated him like I had to change for me to be able to beat him. Against Merab, I’m not going to do that…”
He further addressed the perception surrounding Dvalishvili’s dominance:
Merab has this narrative buzz around him when he’s an unbeatable force of nature who has conditioning out of wherever, and while that’s true to an extent, that doesn’t mean anything to the fact that the guy can’t be beaten,
—Cory Sandhagen, UFC Bantamweight Contender
If I look at myself as a fighter and break myself down technically, I’m somewhere between Umar and Sean [O’Malley] in the task that he’ll have in front of him. I wrestle a lot better than Sean does…I’m not going to read too much into it, I’m going to keep worrying about me leading all the way up to the fight, and I’m going to make Merab deal with me, instead of me having to deal with Merab.
—Cory Sandhagen, UFC Bantamweight Contender
Sandhagen acknowledged the insecurity that affected him in his fight with Nurmagomedov but emphasized his commitment to overcoming that obstacle. His plan centers on maintaining confidence and versatility rather than crafting a fight plan solely focused on neutralizing Dvalishvili’s strengths.
Expected Timing and Venue for the Bantamweight Title Showdown
The UFC matchmakers have indicated to Sandhagen and his team that the bantamweight title fight against Merab Dvalishvili is tentatively scheduled for November or December of this year. This timing aligns with the UFC’s signature annual event at Madison Square Garden, a venue Sandhagen described as a ‘dream’ setting for such a high-stakes fight.
Dvalishvili, who spent much of his UFC career living in the New York City area, would be competing in familiar territory, potentially offering him a home advantage. The champion has expressed his intent to defend the title at least twice more before the conclusion of 2025, with possible bouts against Sandhagen and a rematch with Nurmagomedov on the horizon.
This upcoming clash between Dvalishvili and Sandhagen is widely viewed as the next pivotal matchup in the UFC bantamweight division. In the months leading to the fight, Sandhagen is dedicating himself fully to preparation, ready to face the toughest challenge of his career.
The Broader Implications of Sandhagen vs. Dvalishvili
This bantamweight title fight represents a significant moment for the division, potentially reshaping its competitive landscape. Sandhagen’s methodical approach challenges the common narrative that Dvalishvili’s conditioning is insurmountable. Should Sandhagen succeed, it may inspire other contenders to focus on overall skill development rather than solely on tailoring strategies against individual opponents.
For Merab Dvalishvili, defending his title in a major venue such as Madison Square Garden could solidify his legacy as a dominant champion. Meanwhile, Sandhagen’s growth as a versatile fighter underscores the depth of talent at the top of the division and sets the stage for a compelling contest that fans are eagerly awaiting.