Aljamain Sterling, the only fighter to have finished the Merab Dvalishvili next challenger in mixed martial arts, shocked fans and commentators alike with a rapid win against Cory Sandhagen. Five years ago at UFC 250, Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, quickly subdued Sandhagen in just 88 seconds, securing a rear-naked choke that left Joe Rogan visibly amazed during the broadcast.
Sterling’s fight was a defining moment in his career, ahead of his record-breaking run as bantamweight champion which included successful defenses against Petr Yan, TJ Dillashaw, and Henry Cejudo. His early grappling dominance was clear in the match against Sandhagen, a contender who had never been finished before.
Joe Rogan’s commentary captured the electrifying moment:
Oh, Aljo’s got his back, early! Early! Oh my goodness. Aljo’s got it on the jaw, he’s crushing his face,
—Joe Rogan
He continued with growing excitement as Sterling tightened his hold:
Unbelievable! He went out, look at that. Wow,
That was an exclamation point on top of a statement. We knew a contender was going to rise, and that contender’s name is Aljamain Sterling.
—Joe Rogan
From UFC Shanghai to UFC 320: Spotlight Shifts to Upcoming Bantamweight Battles
As the UFC moves from its recent Chicago event, where Khamzat Chimaev claimed the middleweight title, global focus returns to Shanghai, China. The event will feature Zhang Mingyang facing Johnny Walker in a highly anticipated light heavyweight bout. However, attention is also drawn to the co-main event that pairs Sterling with Brian Ortega, showcasing two fighters known for their exceptional grappling skills.
This sets the scene for upcoming bantamweight dynamics, as Sandhagen prepares to challenge Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 320. The pay-per-view card, set for October 4 in Las Vegas, also features a light heavyweight championship rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.
Aljamain Sterling’s Insights on Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen
Years before Dvalishvili and Sandhagen were scheduled to face each other, Sterling analyzed their styles and predicted the outcome based on his experience with both fighters and his knowledge of their tactics. Sterling suggested that Dvalishvili’s ability to maintain control on the ground would be the decisive factor in the matchup. He noted how Sandhagen’s performance, especially his durability, had limits, particularly in later rounds.
On his YouTube channel, Sterling explained:
I think round one, Merab takes him down multiple times,
—Aljamain Sterling
He added that the key difference would be:
I think that would be the difference in that type of matchup — that pace, that style, and keeping Cory on his back foot.
—Aljamain Sterling
While Sandhagen has made significant strides in his grappling, Sterling’s assessment highlights the challenge Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure presents to his opponents. The upcoming fight will test Sandhagen’s ability to overcome what Sterling predicted years ago, placing a spotlight on the current bantamweight title landscape.
Significance of This Upcoming Fight and Its Potential Impact
The bout between Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen represents more than just a title shot in the bantamweight division; it’s a clash between contrasting fighting styles and strategic approaches. Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy, grinding style contrasts with Sandhagen’s striking and improved grappling, adding layers of intrigue for fans and analysts.
Sterling’s swift finish of Sandhagen years ago demonstrated the importance of ground control and finishing ability at the highest level. Now, with Sandhagen’s evolution and Dvalishvili’s championship-caliber approach, the fight carries significant implications for each athlete’s career trajectory and the division’s future.
As the UFC returns overseas and continues to build international events, such matchups in iconic locations like Las Vegas will be crucial in shaping narratives, drawing global attention, and progressing the bantamweight division’s competitive hierarchy.