In less then 30 seconds at UFC Vegas 18, Cory Sandhagen asserted himself as one of the best bantamweights on the planet with a quick flying knee against former champion Frankie Edgar.
Experience vs. youth is a tried and true storyline in combat sports, and it played out once again at UFC Vegas 18 on Saturday night.
The UFC’s return to its Nevada stronghold following its latest stint on Fight Island saw former lightweight champ and now bantamweight contender Frankie Edgar in action, against a promising young contender in Cory Sandhagen. With champ Petr Yan set to face Aljamain Sterling in March, the winner of Sandhagen vs. Edgar could potentially lock up a title shot. But would it be the young buck, or the old lion, with his hand raised?
Sandhagen was coming off a spectacular knockout against Marlon Moraes that got him back in the win column. Edgar, on the other hand, was coming off a controversial split decision win over Pedro Munhoz.
Edgar started the fight as the aggressor, backing Sandhagen to the fence and landing a leg kick. He went in with a two-punch combination that Sandhagen avoided. Edgar continued moving forward and started to throw a combination, but was immediately caught by a flying knee and was out on his feet. A spectacular knockout that solidified Sandhagen’s status as a top bantamweight contender.
THE SANDMAN HAS PUT EDGAR TO SLEEP. #UFCVegas18 pic.twitter.com/z4flxeDG05
— UFC (@ufc) February 7, 2021
After the fight, Sandhagen said he’s a different fighter after his loss to Aljamain Sterling last summer. He added that he’ll knock out whoever wins the bantamweight title fight between Petr Yan and Sterling.
With TJ Dillashaw’s return to MMA looming, Sandhagen may have just jumped him in line in the title picture.
Cory Sandhagen def. Frankie Edgar by KO (Flying Knee) in Round 1 (0:28)
