Merab Dvalishvili Has 13 Straight Wins Against Strikers. Cory Sandhagen Is Next

October 4 and UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 are almost here, fellow MMA fans, and there is no time like the present to analyze them on a deeper level. With the headline event highlighting the T-Mobile Arena night of combat sports in Las Vegas, many fans are eagerly awaiting the co headliner. Both of them are title fights that could shape legacies and have lasting effects on the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s scene and landscape. The bantamweight championship bout between Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen is drawing just as much attention. Merab will be defending his title for the third time, with Cory trying to take it from him. Can he do it?  

Well, if we look at the record, after losing his initial two bouts, Dvalishvili went on an unreal winning streak that he is still on. He has 13 straight wins against strikers, and guess what kind of fighter Sandhagen is? Will he be number 14, or will Dvalishvili lose his belt next week? With stakes never being higher for either of them, join us as we take a detailed look at the balance of strengths between these two martial artists and evaluate their chances to win this bout. Read on as we analyze the exclusive UFC 320 interview with Merab that the Stake online sportsbook and casino has done. 

UFC 320 – Dvalishvili talks about Sandhagen

In the interview between Stake and their UFC sports ambassador, Merab, the two discussed Sandhagen from the very start. Dvalishvili had no problem praising his opponent and pointing out his qualities ahead of UFC 320. “Cory Sandhagen is a very talented, high level fighter. He has a dangerous game,” opened the bantamweight champion, and continued, “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.” Merab knows not to underestimate him: “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, and how it can be compared to Sean O’Malley, whom Merab had beaten twice. “It’s nothing similar, I fought Sean O’Malley two times, and both fights were totally different.” Talking about his upcoming opponent and his style, he revealed, “Cory is a dangerous opponent. He has great cardio, good takedown defence, and he can take you down and put pressure on you. Even if he takes you down, he can put you in a leg lock. He damaged two guys’ legs, Figueiredo and TJ Dillashaw. He does a flying knee, which knocked out Frankie Edgar. Every single fight, every single sparring session is totally different.”

At the moment, Merab is the absolute favorite with odds of 1.28 to defend his title belt for the third straight time. Cory Sandhagen is the underdog according to Stake, with 3.75 odds of winning the championship co headline bout. The fellow stake ambassador will be fighting alongside Alex at UFC 320, so naturally, the two sides also talked about the headline fight. “We all know Alex is a great fighter and was a great champion. But Ankalaev, we must not forget how good he is, now that he is the champion. It’s going to be a great match, I don’t know who’s going to win, actually. It’s going to be a very close fight, let’s see.” Stake gives Pereira underdog odds of 2.75, while Magomed Ankalaev is at 1.46 as the favorite. 

What is a striker in the UFC?

In the world of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), a fighter described as a striker refers to someone whose primary fighting style is based on stand up combat. During their bouts, they rely on punches, kicks, knees, and elbows to damage opponents. Strikers often come from backgrounds in disciplines like boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, or karate. Their main objective is to outpoint or knock out their opponents using superior technique, speed, and precision in striking exchanges.

A striker built in UFC fighters typically emphasizes agility, timing, and distance control. These athletes often maintain a lighter, more mobile frame to maximize movement and avoid takedowns. Unlike grapplers who specialize in wrestling or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, strikers aim to keep the fight on the feet. They develop strong takedown defense to prevent being dragged to the ground, where they might be at a disadvantage.

Strikers are known for their highlight reel finishes and dynamic fighting styles. Stars like Israel Adesanya, Anderson Silva, and Conor McGregor are prime examples of elite strikers who have used their precision and timing to dominate opponents across different weight categories. Their ability to read movements, feint effectively, and land clean, powerful shots often makes them fan favorites because their bouts are more interesting and exciting to watch.

However, relying heavily on striking can have quite a few drawbacks. A one dimensional striker may struggle against well rounded opponents or dominant wrestlers who can neutralize striking by closing the distance and grappling. As a result, many modern UFC strikers cross train in other disciplines to become more versatile and be able to take on any opponent. Yet, for some, it can also be difficult to go up against a fellow grappler or striker as opposed to a different fighter than they are. 

Who is at an advantage?

So, who has a natural advantage in a bout like the one between Dvalishvili and Sandhagen on October 4, and how should the fans bet on UFC 320? Can we even claim that a grappler has an easier time than a striker, or vice versa, or does it always depend on who the fighters are and how good they can perform? It is a tricky question to both ask and answer. The age old debate in MMA of striker vs. grappler does not have a simple answer, and never will. The advantage often depends on who can impose their game plan more effectively and how well rounded each fighter is.

Grapplers typically have the edge when they can close the distance, take the fight to the ground, and control their opponent. Once grounded, a striker’s power is neutralized, and submissions or ground and pound become major threats. Historically, elite grapplers like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Royce Gracie have dominated opponents by smothering striking attacks with relentless pressure and control.

Strikers, on the other hand, thrive when they maintain distance, use footwork, and keep the fight standing. If they can avoid takedowns, they can punish grapplers on the feet, especially during entries or failed takedown attempts. Fighters like Israel Adesanya and Joanna Jędrzejczyk excel in this area. The advantage often shifts based on takedown defense (for strikers) and striking defense (for grapplers). The more well rounded a fighter becomes, the less clear the advantage.

What other fighting styles are there?

Modern UFC fighters rarely rely on just one style. Most successful athletes use blended tactics that include several approaches for attacking and defending. Clinch work combines striking and grappling, and fighters like Jon Jones and Kamaru Usman use it effectively. Following a successful grounding, the ground and pound is when grapplers use strikes on the ground to finish fights or wear opponents down. During counter striking, strikers wait for opponents to overextend and then land precise, powerful counters. Finally, there is cage control when fighters use the fence to trap opponents, control pace, and score points with dirty boxing or wrestling.

UFC 320 – Dvalishvili VS Sandhagen fighting style

Cory Sandhagen’s interesting facts

1. He has a psychology degree

Cory Sandhagen earned a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder. He has spoken about how this background helps him in understanding mindset, focus, and discipline, both in training and in the cage.

2. He is big on mental training

Sandhagen incorporates sports psychology and meditation into his routine. He regularly works on visualization and mental clarity, believing mental strength is just as crucial as physical training.

3. Known for his creative striking

He is one of the most innovative strikers in MMA today. From spinning heel kicks to flying knees, Sandhagen uses unorthodox and diverse attacks, often catching opponents off guard.

4. Knocked out Frankie Edgar in 28 seconds

One of his most famous performances was a flying knee KO of former champion Frankie Edgar in just 28 seconds at UFC Vegas 18 (February 2021). It is widely regarded as one of the most brutal knockouts in bantamweight history.

5. Trains at Elevation Fight Team

Sandhagen is a long time member of Elevation Fight Team in Colorado, alongside top fighters like Justin Gaethje, Neil Magny, and Drew Dober. Like most sports in the state, the gym is known for its high altitude conditioning.

6. He was once an English teacher

Before becoming a full time fighter, Sandhagen worked as a part time English teacher for high school students. He has said this experience helped him develop communication skills and patience.

7. Took a short notice fight against Petr Yan

In October 2021, Sandhagen stepped in on short notice to face Petr Yan for the interim bantamweight title after Aljamain Sterling pulled out. Despite the loss, he earned praise for his performance and toughness.

8. He has an analytical approach to fighting

Cory is famous for breaking down fights like a chess match. He often discusses game plans in detail and adapts strategies based on styles. He also talks about fight IQ and long term goals over short term brawls. 

9. Has a massive reach for the division

Standing 5’11” with a 70 inch reach, Sandhagen is tall and rangy for a bantamweight, a combo that gives him an advantage in striking range against most opponents in the division.

10. Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

While best known for his striking, Sandhagen also holds a black belt in BJJ under Eliot Marshall, a former UFC fighter. He has multiple submission wins on his record and continually works to round out his game.