American · Phoenix, USA · Born 20 April 1992Cory 'The Sandman' Sandhagen is a long-tenured UFC bantamweight contender known for spectacular knockouts, without yet winning the UFC title.
Cory James Sandhagen was born on 20 April 1992 in Aurora, Colorado, and attended Smoky Hill High School, where he played basketball before beginning martial arts training in taekwondo as a child, later turning professional in mixed martial arts in 2015. Sandhagen, nicknamed "The Sandman," trained with High Altitude Martial Arts and later Elevation Fight Team in Colorado, developing into one of the most creative and technically diverse strikers in the UFC bantamweight division, renowned for unconventional kicks and finishes. Sandhagen has challenged for the UFC Bantamweight Championship and remains a perennial top contender in one of the promotion's deepest divisions, delivering highlight-reel victories that have made him a fan favourite despite narrowly missing out on undisputed gold. Sandhagen has continued competing at the elite level of the bantamweight rankings, studying at the University of Colorado Boulder alongside his fighting career, and remains one of the most consistently entertaining and technically inventive strikers in the sport.
Top-ranked UFC bantamweight known for flying-knee and creative striking finishes
How They Played
Sandhagen employs a dynamic striking style characterized by creative combinations, excellent footwork, and diverse offensive techniques including spinning attacks and flying knees. He demonstrates strong grappling fundamentals with solid takedown defense and submission skills, making him a well-rounded threat in all areas. His length and reach advantage at bantamweight allows him to effectively control distance and land strikes from the outside.
Lasting Impact
Established himself as one of the elite bantamweight strikers in modern MMA with highlight-reel finishes
Career Honours
- UFC Fight Night Performance of the Night bonus vs. Marlon Moraes (2020)
- UFC Fight Night Performance of the Night bonus vs. Frankie Edgar (2021)
- UFC Fight Night Performance of the Night bonus vs. Song Yadong (2022)
- UFC Bantamweight Championship Interim title contender (fought for interim title vs. TJ Dillashaw, 2021)
- UFC Fight of the Night bonus vs. Aljamain Sterling (2020)
American Athletes