As the Octagon returns to Las Vegas under the bright lights of the T-Mobile Arena, combat sports fans are gearing up for one of the most explosive cards of the year. With high stakes rematches, title bouts, and rising stars ready to make a statement, the upcoming “numbered” Ultimate Fighting Champion event will highlight everything that modern mixed martial arts has to offer. UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 is set for Saturday, October 4, 2025, with 11 bouts across 3 cards, and the fans are slowly gearing up for it.
The main event features a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, as current titleholder Magomed Ankalaev defends his belt against former champion and the man he took the belt from, Alex Pereira. Their first meeting ended with Ankalaev taking the crown in a dominant performance. Now, Pereira is hungry for redemption as he believes the title is still his to hold. The co-main event, and a more important duel for our extensive overview, is another exciting title fight. UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to face off against top contender Cory Sandhagen in a clash of elite grapplers and strikers.
The rest of the fight card promises a slew of action, including a light heavyweight showdown between Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. In the women’s division, notable bouts include Macy Chiasson vs Yana Santos at bantamweight and Veronica Hardy vs Brogan Walker at flyweight. Rising middleweights Abus Magomedov and Joe Pyfer will square off, while Edmen Shahbazyan takes on Andre Muniz in another pivotal clash. The event kicks off with three early prelims, followed by three prelims and then five main card bouts. Starting at 10:00 PM ET, UFC 320 is shaping up to be one of the year’s most stacked and thrilling events that you have to watch, and perhaps place some bets on.
Dvalishvili and Stake Exclusive Interview
In the exclusive interview with Merab Dvalishvili, leading online sportsbook and casino Stake touched upon a number of topics. The two sides have a strong sponsorship as Merab is an official sports ambassador of the platform. He frequently sits down for detailed talks that provide crucial insights for fans of UFC and sports betting. This is exactly what he has done ahead of October 4 and his third title defense match, this time against a new opponent he has not faced before, Cory Sandhagen. The Machine vs the Sandman has a nice ring to it, akin to superhero matchups straight out of comic book pages. So, what did the bantamweight champion have to say about the upcoming co headline event of UFC 320?
“It’s a bantamweight title fight, we always deliver,” opened Merab, and then went straight to talking about his opponent. He praised him and talked fighting style of Cory, showcasing he knows full well that he knows who he is up against. “Cory Sandhagen is a very talented, high level fighter. He has a dangerous game. He knocks people out with a flying knee, spinning back kick. He has a great submission game, like he showed against Bautista. Cory Sandhagen is a great fighter, and I’m only expecting a great fight against him.”
He went on saying that he will not make the mistake of underestimating the title contender: I’m not overlooking him, it’s going to be a great fight, and MMA fans will have lots of fun because our fight will be lots of scrambling, lots of exchange punches, and a great fight to see.”
Stake then asked about Cory’s explosive and direct striking, calling it some of the best in the UFC, and if it will be similar to what Sean O’Malley is doing. “No, it’s nothing similar. I fought Sean O’Malley two times, and both fights were totally different.” No fight is the same in the highly competitive and tactical MMA promotion that is Ultimate Fighting Championship. Merab added, “Cory Sandhagen is a different opponent with a different game. Cory is a dangerous opponent. He has great cardio, good takedown defence, he can take you down and put pressure on you.” As the experts would say, proper scouting has been done, it seems.
On his plan to neutralize a striking opponent like Sandhagen, Merab said that “everybody is a good striker” and that if you look at his last thirteen opponents, “every opponent was better on paper.” He continued, “That’s why I’m special, I figure it out all the time. Sean O’Malley was a better striker than me, Petr Yan was a better striker than me. Henry Cejudo, Jose Aldo, Marlon Moraes. Whoever you want to name, I beat them all.” Drawing a parallel with his upcoming fight, he said, “I have the same goal with Cory Sandhagen as well. But like I said, he’s a good fighter and I’m not expecting an easy fight from him. It’s going to be a tough fight, and I’m ready for the challenge, the scrap, and all the exchanges. The back and forth.”
Finally, Stake asked if he thinks Cory deserves this shot at the title against him, to which Dvalishvili kept it sportsmanlike, as he should, saying, “Of course, absolutely. He deserves to fight me.” And on who he would like to fight next, he said, “Petr Yan. He looked good in the last three fights, and he is the most deserving opponent for me. He has been a great champion before, and he has looked good. He deserves this title fight.”
Merab and Stake talked about Khalil’s fight, too, and the fighter revealed if he had any predictions for the bout. “Yes, for that fight I will have a prediction,” said Dvalishvili happily, adding, “I believe Khalil can win this fight because Khalil is very smart. He is a good training partner, and he’s putting work in, he’s training smart and hard. He hits like a truck; he hits very strong. He is a good guy and fighter. Jiri is also a good fighter, but I believe Khalil Rountree will win this time.” For this one, and all other bouts, check out UFC 320 sportsbook for the latest odds and predictions.
Comparing the Careers of Dvalishvili and Sandhagen
| Merab Dvalishvili | Cory Sandhagen | |
| Nationality / Birth | Georgian American | American |
| Age | Born Jan 10, 1991 → 34 years old | Born Apr 20, 1992 → 33 years old |
| Height / Reach | 5 ft 6 in; reach 68 in | 5 ft 11 in; reach 70 in |
| Weight Class / Style | Bantamweight; high pressure wrestler/grappler, elite cardio, relentless takedown game | Bantamweight; creative striker, excellent movement and angles, dynamic finishing ability |
| Pro Debut / Active Since | 2014 → Active | 2015 → Active |
| Overall Record (W‑L‑D) | 20‑4‑0 | 18‑5‑0 |
| Finishes (KO / Sub) | KO: 3, Sub: 2, Majority of wins by decision | KO: 7‑8, Sub: 3, More finishes overall |
| Notable Achievements | UFC Bantamweight Champion (since Sep 2024); Successful title defenses (vs Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley); UFC record holder for most takedowns | Top ranked bantamweight contender; Wins over several elite fighters; Regular main/co main eventer |
| Strengths | World class wrestling, unmatched pace, durability, control, takedown volume, strong fight IQ | Versatile striking, knockout power, submission threat, technical creativity, range management |
| Weaknesses | Low finishing rate historically, often wins by decision, less flashy style | Vulnerable to takedown heavy opponents, some decision losses, occasional grappling weaknesses |
Headline Title Event Analysis
With Merab and Cory duking it out in the co-headline event of the night, we must not forget about the main event of UFC 320, the titular bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. Merab’s fellow Stake ambassador was seen showcasing his weight ahead of his big title fight, now being at 234 lbs, or 1.6.2 kg. The Brazilian star has ways to go ahead of him in the final two weeks as he needs to lose 29 lbs before he can step into the Octagon. A serious weight cut is in order, which he has never been shy about before.
Pereira commented on his upcoming fight in an interview as well, commenting on whether the October 4 fight is the biggest war of his career. He said, “It’s hard to say, but you know the reality is every fight is tough, regardless of whether it is a five round decision or a first round finish. I count the camp and the training as part of the fight, so it’s always a war, it’s always a whole process. It’s tough on me and I’m sure it’s tough on everyone else who fights too.”
He famously lost to the same opponent at UFC 313, so what is he going to change this time around? “I’ve not made too many tactical changes,” said Pereira, “I would say there are two details that we’re working on that we’re getting corrected. But the reality is there is always room for improvement, there are always mistakes we make in the fight that we try to correct next time, and that is kind of the process.”
As for the odds by leading sportsbooks, Ankalaev Magomedov has an edge with 1.46 odds, compared to Pereira’s 2.75. The Rank 1 Brazilian fighter has a career record of 12-3-0, while the champion from Russia is 21-1-1. In his last 5 fights, Pereira is 4-1 while Ankalaev is 3-1-1. Alex is not without his chance, and he knows his opponent, but it will still be very difficult to overcome Magomed and reclaim the title.
Pereira was also asked about the Merab fight, but he kept it short and to the point: I’m so focused on my fight. I know Merab is fighting that night, but I don’t know anything else about the card, to be honest.”
Cory Sandhagen FAQs
1. Who is Cory Sandhagen?
Cory Sandhagen is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s Bantamweight division. Known for his technical striking and creativity, he has been a top contender in the 135 pound weight class for several years.
2. What is Cory Sandhagen’s fighting style?
Sandhagen is primarily a striker with a background in kickboxing and Muay Thai, but he is also well versed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His style is unorthodox with fluid movement, dynamic angles, and flashy strikes like spinning kicks and flying knees.
3. What are Cory Sandhagen’s most notable wins?
Some of Sandhagen’s standout victories include wins over Marlon Moraes (via spinning wheel kick), Frankie Edgar (via flying knee KO), and Rob Font (unanimous decision). These fights showcased his striking precision and creativity.
4. Has Cory Sandhagen ever fought for a UFC title?
Yes, Sandhagen fought Petr Yan for the interim UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 267 in October 2021. He lost a competitive decision but gained respect for taking the fight on short notice and going five hard rounds.
5. What makes Cory Sandhagen unique in the bantamweight division?
Sandhagen is one of the tallest fighters in the division (5’11”) and uses his reach exceptionally well. His diverse striking arsenal, high fight IQ, and constant evolution make him one of the most unpredictable and entertaining fighters at 135 lbs.
6. What is Cory Sandhagen’s background in martial arts?
He began training in kickboxing in his teens and transitioned into MMA while attending the University of Colorado. He holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is coached by Christian Allen at Elevation Fight Team.
7. What team or gym does Cory Sandhagen train with?
He trains at Elevation Fight Team in Denver, Colorado, alongside fighters like Justin Gaethje and Neil Magny. The gym is known for its scientific approach to conditioning and fight preparation.
8. How did Cory Sandhagen get the nickname “The Sandman”?
While “Sandman” is a play on his last name, it also reflects his ability to put opponents to sleep with sudden and brutal knockouts, most memorably seen in his KO of Frankie Edgar.
9. What is Cory Sandhagen’s UFC record?
As of September 2025, Sandhagen holds a strong UFC record, with wins over several top 10 contenders. His record is 18-5-0.
10. Is Cory Sandhagen considered a future champion?
Many analysts and fans believe Sandhagen has all the tools to become a UFC bantamweight champion. With continued improvements and his already elite skill set, he is consistently in title contention. Perhaps the upcoming UFC 320 duel with Merab Dvalishvili will finally be it.