MMA Preview – Marlon Moraes vs Cory Sandhagen at UFC Fight Island 5
MARLON MORAES VS CORY SANDHAGEN FACTS
When is UFC Fight Island 5? Saturday 10th October, 2020 - 23:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Island 5? Flash Forum, Fight Island, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Island 5? No tickets are available as this event will take place without spectators
What channel is UFC Fight Island 5 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Island 5? 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!
MARLON MORAES VS CORY SANDHAGEN LOWDOWN
‘Magic’ Marlon Moraes makes his first outing since his biggest career win over Jose Aldo back in December last year. It was a split decision that could have gone either way but that win over the former featherweight king has kept his bantamweight title dreams alive. After a ruthless four-fight win streak, he took on Henry Cejudo for the vacant title, started very strong but as his gas tank emptied, Cejudo capitalised and ended handing him his first TKO loss in 11 years.
Cory ‘The Sandman’ Sandhagen flew in under the bantamweight radar for a while but it was only after he earned decisions over John Lineker and Raphael Assuncao last year that people began to take notice. The UFC were clearly fully aware of his talents as they handed him Aljamian Sterling but the UFC vet snapped his seven-fight win streak with a flawless performance and first round submission which will be a valuable learning curve for Sandhagen.
MARLON MORAES VS CORY SANDHAGEN PREDICTION
If Moraes can keep up his first/second-round pace, he can get past anybody but that is easier said than done when you are so explosive. What he has to do is measure his attacks to remain dangerous for five rounds if he wants to be a champion especially as Sandhagen will bring a fast and consistent pace until the bell.
Sandhagen does not have the knockout power of Moraes but he can wear him down with a variety of precise strikes from either stance and he will be able to cover the range well with his extra three inches of reach and five in height.
This is a great style against Moraes who uses his power and technique so clinically to finish the fight whether that is on the feet or the floor. The Brazilian can easily find a knockout and if he can knock him to the ground, a submission is also there.
Sandhagen will only get stronger as the rounds go on while wearing Moraes down with a high output and if he can get out the first couple rounds like Cejudo did, a decision or late finish is there for him. However, Moraes made some good adjustments for the Aldo fight and if he paces himself well enough, he can pick up a win in any method.
Prediction: Moraes via KO/TKO
