Cory Sandhagen (17-5) has always stood out in the UFC—both for his unorthodox style and for being unlike the typical high-profile fighter fans are used to. Despite consistently ranking near the top of the bantamweight division for years, the American has struggled to secure a definitive title shot. Though not exactly a media darling, Sandhagen consistently delivers exciting performances. This weekend, he takes on Deiveson Figueiredo (24-4-1) in a high-stakes bout that could determine the next number one contender.
Sandhagen had put together a solid three-fight win streak before dropping a unanimous decision to Umar Nurmagomedov last August, a loss that cost him a chance to face Merab Dvalishvili for the belt. Previously, he also came up short against Petr Yan in their 2021 interim title fight, losing again via unanimous decision.
Now 33, Sandhagen believes the time is right. “I feel better than ever. I’ve never thought I had the skills to be a champion as much as I do now. I’m ready to put on the best performance of my life this Saturday, win impressively and ask for a shot at the belt,” he said during media day on Wednesday.
A Fighter Unlike Any Other
Though not known for flashy promotional antics, Sandhagen has recently gained attention with a humorous YouTube video in which he hired someone to teach him how to trash talk—clearly a tongue-in-cheek jab at the UFC’s emphasis on personality-driven promotion.
But there’s another side to Sandhagen’s uniqueness: his pre-fight ritual. Known for pushing personal boundaries, he recently shared that he consumes a high dose of hallucinogenic mushrooms two weeks before his fights. “I like to explore my subconscious and open my mind, and it works for me,” he explained.
This Saturday, Sandhagen steps into the Octagon determined to finally earn the title shot that has eluded him for years—and to prove that he’s more than just a constant contender.
