Former UFC champ argues Cory Sandhagen is “more dangerous” version of Sean O’Malley and breaks down their potential fight
Cory Sandhagen and Sean O'Malley might be the two best stand-up fighters in the UFC's bantamweight division, and a matchup between them is an absolute dream for fans of striking.
Following O'Malley's recent title loss at Noche UFC 306, there is a chance that matchmakers will schedule a bout between 'Sugar' and Sandhagen, given both men reside in the division's top five.
Former UFC champion T.J. Dillashaw recently shared his thoughts on the potential bout following O'Malley's fight with Merab Dvalishvili, who defeated the 29-year-old via decision to win the title.
Dillashaw appeared on a recent episode of the JAXXON PODCAST, hosted by former UFC champion Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson. He said this:
"I think [Sandhagen] pieces Sean up... I thought Sandhagen would have been a dope fight for [O'Malley]. But I think Sandhagen is just better at what O'Malley is good at, to be honest. He's just more dangerous. But O'Malley's got great feints... I would love to see that fight."
Watch Dillashaw discuss Sean O'Malley vs. Cory Sandhagen below (1:40:05):
With Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo potentially set to face off next following the Russian's callout of the former flyweight champion, and Umar Nurmagomedov expected to fight Dvalishvili for the title, the only two men inside the top five without a fight are Sandhagen and O'Malley.
With both fighters having suffered losses in their previous fights, it would be a great opportunity to turn the career momentum of one of the division's top contenders around.
Cory Sandhagen wants Sean O'Malley next and claims top contender turned down a fight with him
Cory Sandhagen's defeat to Umar Nurmagomedov saw him take a backward step in his journey towards a bantamweight title shot. Their bout headlined UFC Abu Dhabi in August, and Nurmagomedov will likely fight Merab Dvalishvili next.
'The Sandman' used Sean O'Malley's recent defeat to Dvalishvili as a reason to push for a clash with the former champion, which will certainly be music to the ears of fans.
He also claimed that Deiveson Figueiredo turned down a fight against him, as Sandhagen said this during a recent YouTube video:
"You guys know that [Sandhagen vs. O'Malley] has been a fight that's been in the works for a really long time... Me and O'Malley got next [Deiveson Figueiredo] turned down a fight against me in September, which is just kind of whack because I thought that Figgy was a little bit more about that life than that."
Catch Cory Sandhagen's comments below (0:38):