Sandhagen Eyes Winner of Dvalishvili-O’Malley UFC 316 Showdown for Title Shot

The UFC bantamweight division is buzzing with anticipation as Cory Sandhagen makes it clear he’s got his sights set on whoever emerges victorious from the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili title clash at UFC 316. And honestly, who can blame him?

Sandhagen, currently riding an impressive three-fight win streak with dominant performances against Rob Font, Marlon Vera, and Song Yadong, has positioned himself perfectly as the division’s top contender. But unlike some fighters who might play it cool, “The Sandman” isn’t hiding his interest in the outcome of the upcoming championship bout.

Why Sandhagen Is Glued to the UFC 316 Main Event

I’ve been following Sandhagen’s career closely, and his calculated approach to title positioning shows exactly why he’s one of the smartest fighters in the game. He’s not just waiting for a phone call – he’s actively studying his potential opponents.

“Of course I’m watching that fight with extreme interest,” Sandhagen told reporters at a recent media scrum. “I’ve been preparing for both guys mentally for months now. That’s my title shot, and I’ve earned it.”

And he’s right. With victories over former champion Petr Yan and multiple top-10 opponents, Sandhagen’s resume speaks volumes.

The Stylistic Chess Match Ahead

What makes this situation particularly fascinating is how Sandhagen matches up differently with each potential opponent. Against O’Malley, we’d see a striking masterclass between two of the division’s most technical stand-up artists. Against Dvalishvili, it would be a classic grappler vs. striker showdown with championship stakes.

Insert image of Cory Sandhagen after his recent victory celebration here

Is Sandhagen Being Overlooked?

Despite his clear credentials, there’s been surprisingly little talk about Sandhagen as the next title challenger. The UFC marketing machine has been primarily focused on the O’Malley-Dvalishvili rivalry, leaving Sandhagen somewhat in the shadows.

This might actually work to his advantage. While O’Malley and Dvalishvili trade barbs on social media and in press conferences, Sandhagen has been quietly perfecting his craft at Elevation Fight Team in Colorado. The lack of spotlight has allowed him to develop new weapons without revealing too much to his future opponents.

The Timeline Question

UFC 316 is scheduled for July 6th in Las Vegas, leaving many to wonder when we might see Sandhagen get his title opportunity. Historically, UFC champions who emerge unscathed from summer pay-per-views often return around November or December.

“I’ll be ready whenever they call,” Sandhagen noted. “Whether it’s late 2023 or early 2024, I just want my shot. I’ve beaten the guys they’ve put in front of me, and I’ve done it in style.”

The bantamweight division hasn’t seen a dominant champion since Dominick Cruz’s reign, with the belt changing hands frequently over the past few years. Sandhagen believes he could be the one to bring stability to the weight class.

What the Fans Are Saying

The MMA community seems split on who would make for the toughest challenge for Sandhagen. O’Malley’s striking precision and star power make him the more marketable fight, but Dvalishvili’s wrestling pressure could potentially neutralize Sandhagen’s fluid movement.

One thing’s certain – whichever matchup materializes will deliver fireworks. Sandhagen has never been in a boring fight, and adding championship gold to the equation only raises the stakes.

The Bigger Picture for Bantamweight

With Henry Cejudo recently announcing his retirement (again) and Petr Yan struggling to regain his footing in the division, Sandhagen represents a fresh challenge at the top of the weight class. His patient approach has kept him relatively injury-free compared to some of his peers, allowing for consistent activity.

As fans, we’re in for a treat regardless of how this plays out. The technical chess match of O’Malley-Sandhagen or the grappler versus striker dynamic of Dvalishvili-Sandhagen both promise to deliver the kind of high-level mixed martial arts that defines championship fights.

What’s Your Take?

Who would you rather see Sandhagen face for the title? The flashy striking of O’Malley or the relentless pressure of Dvalishvili? Drop a comment below with your prediction for both UFC 316’s main event and how Sandhagen matches up with the winner.

For more UFC news and analysis, make sure to check back regularly as we continue to cover the road to UFC 316 and beyond.