MMAOB staff writer Adam Martin takes a deeper look at the main event of UFC San Antonio, a five-round bantamweight bout between Marlon Vera and Cory Sandhgen. The event takes place on Saturday, March 25 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Cory Sandhagen (-160)
Sandhagen (15-4) is the No. 5 ranked bantamweight in the UFC. The 30-year-old American joined the UFC back in 2018 and he has an 8-3 record so far in the promotion. He has proven to be one of the best fighters at 135lbs as he’s shown incredible striking skills, slick submissions, great cardio, and real toughness to become one of the top fighters in his division. Although he has suffered a few losses along the way, for the most part he has been very competitive against anyone he’s stepped into the cage again. If he wants another title shot, then he absolutely needs to beat Vera here.
Marlon Vera (+140)
Vera (20-7-1) is the No. 3 ranked bantamweight in the UFC. The 30-year-old Ecuador native has a 14-6 record in the Octagon and he has fought and defeated many of the best fighters in the weight class during his UFC career. He’s one of the best strikers in the division and has some of the best cardio. He is also extremely durable and very touch to take out. He has been on a great streak lately, finishing the likes of Dominick Cruz and Frankie Edgar along the way. He has been asking for a title shot, but the UFC wants to see a little more from him. Should Vera go out there and take care of business against Sandhagen, then he would absolutely be in the running for a title shot.
Fight Breakdown: I think this is going to be a great fight between two of the most exciting bantamweights in the sport. Vera has been on a roll lately and showing off incredible finishing power, while Sandhagen has proven to be a force in the bantamweight division. In such a stacked weight class, it’s super important to keep winning and prove that you’re worthy of a top-five spot, so both of these guys know what’s at stake here. Overall, it should be a competitive fight that likely goes the distance. I expect both men to land their shots along the way and inflict damage on each other. However, I do think that Sandhagen will land more shots overall during the court of the fight and get the win on point. It’s going the full five rounds, and look for Sandhagen to win the decision.
Prediction: Cory Sandhagen via decision
