CORY SANDHAGEN VS TJ DILLASHAW FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 32? Saturday 24th July, 2021 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 32? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
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What channel is UFC Vegas 32 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 32? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
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CORY SANDHAGEN VS TJ DILLASHAW LOWDOWN
Many bantamweights were hoping to welcome the former champion back after his drugs ban, but Cory Sandhagen (14-2) gets the lucky ticket, and it is thoroughly deserved. He was in title contention last year until the current champion, Aljamain Sterling pounced on his back to snap his seven-fight win streak and hand him the first submission loss of his career. However, he responded with the two biggest and most spectacular wins of his career. He spinning back kicked Marlon Moraes out of the title picture and followed it up four months later by stiffening Frankie Edgar with a hellacious flying knee.
TJ Dillashaw (16-4) has been out for over two years after, to put it bluntly, trying to cheat his way to becoming a double champion. He was coming off those two epic grudge matches with Cody Garbrandt where he knocked him out both times to solidify himself as one of the best bantamweights of all time. He then decided to try a deathly cut down a division to 125 lbs and take on Henry Cejudo for his crown. He successfully made weight despite looking like an extra terrestrial and it clearly hampered his performance as he got clipped and TKO’d in the first round paving the way for Cejudo’s cringe era.
CORY SANDHAGEN VS TJ DILLASHAW PREDICTION
Many doubt Dillashaw’s character but there is no doubting his talent. Two and a half years is a long time out of the game and having their original date postponed after getting cut in training was not ideal, but he did need some time off to repair and recover from injuries including both shoulders which were impaired in his prime.
He has also continued to train, and the question is not whether Dillashaw has regressed but more whether Sandhagen has closed skill gap since Dillashaw last fought. Based on his last two outings, it certainly looks like it.
They are both at the top of the food chain when it comes to striking but with contrasting styles. Sandhagen fights long with power using all eight limbs whereas Dillashaw has some of the best movement and output in the game with phenomenal combinations.
The stand-up battle will be a spectacle of tactical and world class striking. Very few fighters have got the better of Dillashaw on the feet, but Sandhagen is brimming with confidence, in the form of his life and will boast a reach advantage having five inches in height, three in arm reach and two in leg reach.
However, where Dillashaw has the edge in is the wrestling department. We can expect him to leverage these skills at any moment as he has seamless level changes. Expect Sandhagen to open up with kicks from range attacking the calf and mid-section and if he starts to land and frustrate Dillashaw by keeping out of range, he can expect a takedown attempt.
Sandhagen has brilliant range control but unless he lands and tests the chin of Dillashaw, he will struggle to stay safe and match his volume for five rounds. Dillashaw’s cardio is off the charts and his movement is so fluid, he will find a way into the pocket to fire off one of his trademarked combinations ending in a high kick. Sandhagen also has crazy cardio, but the difference will be Dillashaw’s pressure if it goes into the championship rounds.
However, Sandhagen’s accuracy and timing could be the difference. We can easily see him finding a home for a knee as Dillashaw shoots in or an elbow exiting the clinch. His bony limbs will threaten Dillashaws’s chin and the difference in activity will favour Sandhagen when it comes to timing.
This is a tough one to call but we guarantee it will be an epic showdown. We can see an early Sandhagen knockout but also a vintage Dillashaw performance mixing in takedowns to seal a decision or late knockout. It is very hard to back against Sandhagen at the moment but we are leaning towards the former champ and as he is the underdog, he is a good bet to win.
Prediction: Dillashaw via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Dillashaw to win