UFC Nashville: Sandhagen and Font Roll with Changes for Big Fight

By
Gabriel Gonzalez
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Rob Font UFC Vegas 44
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 03: Rob Font poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at UFC APEX on December 03, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font will both have to show how well they’ve adjusted to stylistically different opponents than originally expected when they face off at UFC Nashville.

With much due respect to the roster, Cory Sandhagen should be the frontrunner for the title of “company man” in 2023.  “The Sandman” delivered  in brilliant fashion in March, routing fellow top contender and fan-favorite Marlon “Chito” Vera.  On the night, it felt like fighting anyone who was not the champion or a top three contender would be a criminal step back.  But 2023 has been a year where the schedule takes precedence over the rankings.  In the absence of the injured Merab Dvalishvili, Sandhagen was matched up with up-and-comer (but not established contender) Umar Nurmagomedov in what was a high risk-low reward matchup for him.  Then just a couple weeks ago, an injury to Nurmagomedov led to a new opponent with a drastically different style.

Despite the changes, Sandhagen is in a prime position going into Saturday.  He is the one who had the full amount of time to prepare, and he is expected to be in the title conversation with a victory regardless of how it comes.  Considering that the division could see a change up with the belt within the next two weeks, the opportunity for one of the most battle-tested contenders to get back into the picture is a huge one to say the least and Sandhagen is well-aware of that going into the headliner.

In Rob Font’s favor, he is coming off a victory in which the storyline appeared to be that he was the one ushering in a young, dynamic contender to the upper-echelon.  In what was a brief but exciting contest, Font found himself tested early against Adrian Yanez before turning the tables to get the first round finish and reestablish himself as a threat at 135 pounds.  Considering he’d struggled in splitting a pair of headliners, against former champions Cody Garbrandt and José Aldo, it was a huge moment to say the least.

But while the momentum mentally is high, he has the unenviable task of having to make up the difference in fight camp on short notice.  He was previously scheduled to face Song Yadong in two weeks in Boston before he found an injury to Song led to the UFC making the move to call in Font step in two weeks earlier to help tonight’s card keep their highest ranked competitor.  While two weeks may not seem like the most drastic abbreviation for fighters already in training, the preparation for a much taller and dynamic striker in Sandhagen is very different compared to the compact and powerful Song.

The winner and aftermath of the bantamweight title fight at UFC 292 is expected be the biggest factor in what determines the next move for this Saturday’s winner.  Should Sterling prevail and move up in weight, then the possibility of either Sandhagen or Font fighting Merab Dvalishvili or Henry Cejudo for the vacant title makes the most sense.  Should O’Malley prevail, then a bout with a top-ranked opponent like Cejudo for a chance to earn a title shot would make the most sense.

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