MMA Preview – Cory Sandhagen vs Frankie Edgar at UFC Vegas 18
CORY SANDHAGEN VS FRANKIE EDGAR FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 18? Saturday 6th January, 2021 – 23:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 18? UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 18? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 18 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 18? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
CORY SANDHAGEN VS FRANKIE EDGAR LOWDOWN
Cory Sandhagen (13-2) is back on track after getting derailed by Aljamain Sterling in June. He was quietly trucking along towards a title shot with the momentum of a seven-fight win streak and winning all five of his UFC fights including decisions over John Lineker and Raphael Assuncao. However, Sterling cemented his number one contender status with an immaculate performance and submission. Sandhagen then met former title challenger Marlon Moraes and jumped straight back in line with the most impressive win and knockout of his career, spinning wheel kicking the Brazilian out of the title picture.
Frankie Edgar (24-8-1) and Sandhagen were originally scheduled to fight a year ago at UFC Fight Night 166 but the UFC robbed Sandhagen by moving Edgar back up to featherweight to fight Chan Sung Jung after Brian Ortega dropped out. Edgar went on to get iced in the first round making it two losses on the bounce, but the veteran proved he still has it after edging out Pedro Munhoz in a split decision back in August.
CORY SANDHAGEN VS FRANKIE EDGAR PREDICTION
Edgar is not quite the fighter he was but the fact he is still fighting top contenders is crazy. Add in the fact the former lightweight champion is moving down another division at the age of 39.
Although it was close, moving down and responding to a knockout loss by beating Munhoz was a huge statement but Sandhagen is a different beast. Expect Edgar to bring the same strategy to the table and rely on his gas tank, look to throw more volume and set up takedowns with strikes and level changes.
This is usually enough but Sandhagen has been preparing for Edgar for a while. He will boast a five-inch height and two-inch reach advantage which will help him sprawl out of the takedown attempts and control the distance on the feet.
Don’t count Edgar out but we expect Sandhagen to pick up another huge win and considering his improvements and current miles on Edgar’s clock, he could even pull off another monumental knockout.
Prediction: Sandhagen via Decision – CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
