Michael Bisping recommended Cory Sandhagen’s willingness to “threat all of it” in a struggle with rising contender Umar Nurmagomedov.
Sitting within the No. 2 spot within the bantamweight rankings courtesy of a trio of victories over Music Yadong, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, and Rob Font, ‘Sandman’ needs to be the subsequent man in line for a shot on the 135-pound crown — as soon as reigning champion Sean O’Malley handles some enterprise with Merab Dvalishvili. However as an alternative of sitting again and ready for his flip, Sandhagen is placing all of it on the road in opposition to one of many division’s most feared contenders.
Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov will headline an enormous Combat Night time occasion in Abu Dhabi on August 3 with the winner securing themselves a assured shot on the bantamweight title in late 2024/early 2025.
Talking with TNT Sports activities, UFC Corridor of Famer and former middleweight titleholder Michael Bisping applauded Sandhagen’s bravery, saying:
“In the case of contenders, Cory Sandhagen is true there. He has confirmed himself because the worthy man, however he’s obtained to proceed combating to ascertain himself and get that shot.
“There isn’t any one higher, nobody hungrier or plain than Umar Nurmagomedov in fact with that title, that resume. The undefeated report and the well-rounded expertise. We all know the wrestling is there however the man is a kickboxing phenom as nicely. It is a large struggle, in fact, it’s the primary occasion and whoever wins this must be subsequent for Sean O’Malley.”
Bisping Believes it’s a ‘Unhealthy scenario for each’ Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov
Recognizing the stakes at play, Bisping urged that as thrilling because the struggle is on paper, it places each fighters in a foul scenario — notably within the case of Cory Sandhage who, by all accounts, has already earned a title shot.
“It’s a foul scenario for each of them. On paper, they’re each proper there. Sandhagen has earned a title struggle. Keep in mind that absolute washout he had of Chito [Marlon] Vera. No disrespect to Chito, he’s an excellent buddy of mine.
“Sandhagen was only one step forward. He’s a wonderful striker, he’s obtained nice submission. He’s wonderful at wrestling. He’s very tall and lengthy for the division. He’s overwhelmed some nice competitors and now he’s going to tackle the undefeated Dagestani. I really feel for Sandhagen however credit score to this man as a result of he’s prepared to do it and threat all of it to go up in opposition to Umar Nurmagomedov, it’s a sensational struggle.”
