TJ Dillashaw is coming back into the ring after a long pause following his doping ban, and his first opponent will be Cory Sandhagen. These two can’t wait for the battle to begin, as they believe that a win here would open the door for a title shot against the current UFC bantamweight champion, Aljaman Sterling. The hype surrounding this contest is big, because of Dillashaw’s return and because everyone wants to see the former title-holder. Many questions surround the 35-year old American, and we are about to see the answers in just a few days.
Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw Schedule
- Where: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
- When: Saturday, July 24, 10 pm ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw Odds
| Sandhagen | Dillashaw |
|---|---|
| -135 | +155 |
Sandhagen’s Big Test
It is very funny to watch the Sandmen (14-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC), whose exposing and attractive fight style earned him an army of fans. Powerful kicks, strikes that drop the rivals quickly, and burst that often stunned his counterpart in the octagon are the biggest weapon for the 29-year old. Just remember his latest two wins, and everything will be clear to you.
After losing to Sterling midway through the previous year, Sandhagen became more aggressive and ferocious. That is the reason why he KOd Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar, bouncing back with these two triumphs following that one loss in the UFC.
The win against Moraes came following a spinning wheel kick and was arguably the KO of 2020. Earlier this year, in February, he would inflict a terrible KO loss to Frankie Edgar, hitting him with a flying knee and destroying the former UFC lightweight champ.
Is Dillashaw Still Elite?
Two years since the last fight is a lot. In fact, it is two and a half years, since Dillashaw (16-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) got dazzled by Henry Cejudo in their flyweight title match. That was when the former UFC bantamweight champion tested positive for EPO and got suspended, marking his career with one such disgrace.
However, he is ready to clear his name and reclaim the title. That is why he went after one of the top guys in the division and arguably the No.1 challenger at the moment. He isn’t amazed at Sandhagen’s current status, as he faced numerous beasts in the division. Just to remind you that TJ won the bantamweight division twice and has four belt defenses.
Dillashaw is a wrestling artist but also knows how to hurt the opponent with strong punches. His footwork is amazing, and there haven’t been too many guys in the organization with a better movement inside the octagon.
Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw Predction
Sandhagen is a favorite here, but we wouldn’t go with picking the winner of this contest. Our bet here is that the fight isn’t going to the distance. Furthermore, we are positive that it won’t reach the fourth round, keeping in mind that these two guys like to enter high-intensity exchanges. The majority of their matches have ended before the final horn, which should be the case now too.
Free UFC Pick: Fight not going to the distance
