Cory Sandhagen

Born and raised in Aurora, Colorado, Sandhagen attended Smoky Hill High School where he was on the basketball team – a sport he had been playing from his youth.{{cite web|url=http://highaltitudema.com/welcome-ufc-coach-cory/|title=Welcome to the UFC, coach Cory!|website=highaltitudema.com|accessdate=November 2, 2020|date=January 29, 2018}} Sandhagen began martial arts training as a child, starting with taekwondo. His instructors didn't allow punches, so Sandhagen switched to kickboxing. In kickboxing, Sandhagen won multiple WKA titles including a WKA world title. He then transitioned to mixed martial arts. He had been a fan of the sport since his childhood.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/4/27/18517780/bantamweight-upstart-cory-sandhagen-has-a-plan-get-in-seize-the-prizes-get-out|title=Bantamweight upstart Cory Sandhagen has a plan: Get in, seize the prizes, get out|author=Chuck Mindenhall|date=April 27, 2019|publisher=mmafighting.com}}{{Cite web |title=Coach Cory Sandhagen |url=https://highaltitudema.com/instructors/coach-cory-sandhagen/ |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=High Altitude Martial Arts |language=en-US}}

Sandhagen graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in psychology.

Sandhagen made his Legacy Fighting Alliance debut on February 24, 2017, at LFA 5 against Jamall Emmers, losing the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2017/02/lfa-5-results-adam-townsend-escapes-early-trouble-beats-marcus-edwards-by-tko|title=LFA 5 results: Adam Townsend escapes early trouble, beats Marcus Edwards by TKO|date=2017-02-25|work=MMAjunkie|language=en-US}} His next fight was on October 17, 2017, against Luiz Antonio Lobo Gavinho at LFA 24, which he won via first round TKO.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/10/13/16474066/lfa-24-results-frincu-vs-millender-mackenzie-dern-vs-mandy-polk|title=LFA 24 Results: Frincu vs. Millender|website=www.mmafighting.com|date=13 October 2017 |language=en-US}} Sandhagen's final appearance for Legacy Fighting Alliance came on January 19, 2018, at LFA 31, defeating Jose Aguayo via first round TKO.{{cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/49700-lfa-31-moffett-vs-le |title=LFA 31: Moffett vs. Le |website=Tapology.com |date= |accessdate=2019-01-21}}

Sandhagen made his promotional debut at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 on January 27, 2018, against Austin Arnett.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-newcomers-complete-charlotte-card|title=UFC NEWCOMERS COMPLETE CHARLOTTE CARD|date=2018-01-22|work=UFC.com|access-date=2019-01-21|language=en-US}} He won the fight via second-round TKO.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/01/ufc-on-fox-27-results-cory-sandhagen-body-shots-take-out-austin-arnett-in-second|title=UFC on FOX 27 results: Cory Sandhagen body shots take out Austin Arnett in second|date=2018-01-27|work=MMAFighting.com|access-date=2019-01-21|language=en-US}}

His next bout was at UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Vick on August 25, 2018 Iuri Alcantara.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/8/5/17654114/ufc-fight-night-gaethje-vs-vick-lincoln-fight-card|title=UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Vick fight card|publisher=Bloody Elbow|date=2018-08-05|accessdate=2019-01-21|archive-date=2019-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501132125/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/8/5/17654114/ufc-fight-night-gaethje-vs-vick-lincoln-fight-card|url-status=dead}} After a back-and-forth affair, he won the fight via second-round TKO.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/8/25/17782246/ufc-lincoln-prelims-results-highlights-sandhagen-scores-crazy-comeback-tko-on-alcantara-mma|title=UFC Lincoln prelims results and highlights: Sandhagen scores crazy comeback TKO vs. Alcantara|date=2018-08-25|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2019-01-21|language=en-US|archive-date=2019-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501132123/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/8/25/17782246/ufc-lincoln-prelims-results-highlights-sandhagen-scores-crazy-comeback-tko-on-alcantara-mma|url-status=dead}} This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/8/26/17783040/ufc-lincoln-bonuses-justin-gaethje-earns-fifth-bonus-in-four-fights|title=UFC Lincoln bonuses: Justin Gaethje earns fifth bonus in four fights|date=2018-08-26|work=MMAFighting|access-date=2019-01-21|language=en-US}}

Sandhagen was scheduled to face Thomas Almeida at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/12/thomas-almeida-returns-vs-cory-sandhagen-at-ufc-on-espn-1-in-brooklyn|title=Thomas Almeida returns vs. Cory Sandhagen at UFC on ESPN+ 1 in Brooklyn|date=2018-12-10|publisher=MMAJunkie|access-date=2019-01-21}} However, it was later announced that Sandhagen would face John Lineker at the event instead.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/25590084|title=Sources: Lineker-Sandhagen in works for Jan. 19|date=2018-12-22|work=espn.com|author=Ariel Helwani|access-date=2019-01-21}} On January 10, Lineker was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a rib injury.{{cite web|url=https://m.sherdog.com/news/news/Report-John-Lineker-Injured-Out-of-Bout-with-Cory-Sandhagen-at-UFC-on-ESPN43-1-148051|date=2019-01-10|title=John Lineker out of bout with Cory Sandhagen at UFC on ESPN|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Jay Pettry|accessdate=2019-01-21}} He was replaced by promotional newcomer Mario Bautista.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/01/mario-bautista-in-for-john-lineker-vs-cory-sandhagen-ufc-brooklyn|title=Report: Mario Bautista in for John Lineker, meets Cory Sandhagen at UFC Brooklyn|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2019-01-12|accessdate=2019-01-21}} He won the bout via first round submission.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/01/ufc-brooklyn-prelims-results-menifield-sandhagen-shine-calderwood-victorious|title=UFC on ESPN+ 1 prelims results: Prospects Menifield, Sandhagen shine; Calderwood victorious|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2019-01-19|accessdate=2019-01-21}}

The bout with Lineker was rescheduled and eventually took place on April 27, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/02/john-lineker-vs-cory-sandhagen-bantamweight-ufc-on-espn-3-miami|title=John Lineker vs. Cory Sandhagen rescheduled for UFC on ESPN 3 in Miami|publisher=mmadjunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2019-02-13|access-date=2019-02-13}} Sandhagen won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/04/ufc-fort-lauderdale-results-cory-sandhagen-beats-john-lineker-split-decision|title=UFC on ESPN+ 8 results: Cory Sandhagen survives late scare, beats John Lineker by split decision|date=2019-04-28|website=MMA Junkie|language=en|access-date=2019-04-29}}

Sandhagen faced Raphael Assunção on August 17, 2019, at UFC 241.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/5/22/18636661/raphael-assuncao-vs-cory-sandhagen-set-for-ufc-241|title=Raphael Assuncao vs. Cory Sandhagen set for UFC 241|last=Lee|first=Alexander K.|date=2019-05-22|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=2019-05-23}} He won the bout by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/08/17/ufc-241-results-assuncao-vs-sandhagen/|title=UFC 241 Results: Cory Sandhagen Picks Up Biggest Win to Date Over Raphael Assuncao|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2019-08-17|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-18}}

Sandhagen was scheduled to face Frankie Edgar in a bantamweight bout on January 25, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 166.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/11/13/20963793/frankie-edgars-bantamweight-debut-set-for-ufc-raleigh-against-cory-sandhagen|title=Frankie Edgar's bantamweight debut set for UFC Raleigh against Cory Sandhagen|last=Martin|first=Damon|date=2019-11-13|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2019-11-14}} However, Edgar was removed from the fight in favor of a bout against Chan Sung Jung a month earlier at UFC Fight Night 165.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/12/frankie-edgar-replaces-brian-ortega-meets-chan-sung-jung-ufc-on-espn-plus-23-busan-south-korea|title=Frankie Edgar replaces Brian Ortega, meets Chan Sung Jung at UFC on ESPN+ 23|last=Bohn|first=Mike|date=2019-12-05|website=MMA junkie|language=en|access-date=2019-12-05}} In turn, Sandhagen was removed from the card.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/breaking-cory-sandhagen-definitief-niet-in-actie-tijdens-ufc-raleigh/|title=Cory Sandhagen definitely not in action during UFC Raleigh|author=Redactie|publisher=mmadna.nl|date=2019-12-23|access-date=2019-12-23}} {{in lang|nl}}

Sandhagen faced Aljamain Sterling on June 6, 2020, at UFC 250{{Cite web|title=Aljamain Sterling vs. Cory Sandhagen Targeted For UFC 250|url=https://www.mmanews.com/aljamain-sterling-vs-cory-sandhagen-targeted-for-ufc-250/|date=2020-05-21|website=MMA News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-21}} in a bout that UFC president Dana White confirmed to be a bantamweight title eliminator.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/ufc-president-dana-white-confirms-sterling-vs-sandhagen-is-title-eliminator/amp/|title=UFC President Dana White Confirms Sterling vs. Sandhagen Is Title Eliminator|work=MMANews.com|date=June 6, 2020|author=Fernando Quiles, Jr.}} He lost the bout via submission in the first round.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/6/6/21282887/ufc-250-results-aljamain-sterling-chokes-out-cory-sandhagen-in-statement-performance|title=UFC 250 results: Aljamain Sterling chokes out Cory Sandhagen in statement performance|work=MMAFighting.com|date=June 6, 2020|accessdate=June 6, 2020|author=Damon Martin}}

Sandhagen faced Marlon Moraes on October 11, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 179 in the main event.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-06|title=Marlon Moraes Vs. Cory Sandhagen Reportedly Set For October UFC Card|url=https://www.fightsports.tv/marlon-moraes-vs-cory-sandhagen-reportedly-set-for-october-ufc-card/|access-date=2020-09-05|website=FIGHT SPORTS|language=en-US}} Sandhagen won the fight via technical knockout in round two.{{Cite web|last=Vreeland|first=Daniel|date=2020-10-10|title=UFC Fight Island 5 Results: Cory Sandhagen Styles on Marlon Moraes|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/10/ufc-fight-island-5-results-cory-sandhagen/|access-date=2020-10-11|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|last=Haynes|first=Stephie|date=2020-10-10|title=UFC Fight Island 5 bonuses: Buckley stuns with highlight reel knockout|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/10/10/21510904/ufc-fight-island-5-post-fight-bonuses-joaquin-buckley-stuns-with-knockout-of-the-year-candidate|access-date=2020-10-11|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en|archive-date=2020-10-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014015831/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/10/10/21510904/ufc-fight-island-5-post-fight-bonuses-joaquin-buckley-stuns-with-knockout-of-the-year-candidate|url-status=dead}}

Sandhagen faced Frankie Edgar at UFC Fight Night 184 on February 6, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/12/18/22189407/cory-sandhagen-to-fight-frankie-edgar-at-feb-6-ufc-show|title=Cory Sandhagen to fight Frankie Edgar at Feb. 6 UFC show|work=MMAFighting.com|date=December 18, 2020|author=Alexander K. Lee, Damon Martin, Guilherme Cruz|accessdate=December 18, 2020}} He won the fight via knockout by flying knee in the first round.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2021-02-06|title=UFC Vegas 18 Results: Cory Sandhagen Flattens Frankie Edgar in 30 Seconds|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/02/06/ufc-vegas-18-results-cory-sandhagen/|access-date=2021-02-07|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-07|title=UFC Vegas 18 Bonuses: Alexander Volkov Among Fighters To Nab Performance Checks|url=https://www.mmanews.com/2021/02/ufc-vegas-18-bonuses-alexander-volkov-among-fighters-to-nab-performance-checks/|access-date=2021-02-07|website=MMA News|language=en-US}}

Sandhagen was scheduled to face T.J. Dillashaw on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24.{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=Christopher|date=2021-03-19|title=Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw set to return on May 8 for five-round main event against Cory Sandhagen {{!}} BJPenn.com|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/former-ufc-bantamweight-champion-tj-dillashaw-set-to-return-on-may-8-for-five-round-main-event-against-cory-sandhagen/|access-date=2021-03-19|website={{!}} BJPenn.com|language=en-US}} However, Dillashaw announced on April 27 that he had to pull out of the fight due to a cut he received from a headbutt in training.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-28|title=Facial cut forces T.J. Dillashaw from UFC comeback fight vs. Cory Sandhagen|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/04/ufc-news-tj-dillashaw-facial-cut-out-ufc-main-event-cory-sandhagen|access-date=2021-04-28|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}{{cite web|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2019-04-28|title=T.J. Dillashaw out of UFC on ESPN 24; Waterson vs. Rodriguez targeted as new main event|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/TJ-Dillashaw-Out-of-UFC-on-ESPN-24-Waterson-vs-Rodriguez-Targeted-as-New-Main-Event-179045|access-date=2021-04-28|work=sherdog.com}} The pairing remained intact and was rescheduled to headline UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw on July 24, 2021.{{Cite web|date=2021-05-18|title=T.J. Dillashaw's return vs. Cory Sandhagen rebooked for UFC Fight Night on July 24|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/05/ufc-news-tj-dillashaws-return-vs-cory-sandhagen-rebooked-fight-night-july-24|access-date=2021-05-19|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}} He lost a close fight via split decision.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2021-07-24|title=UFC Vegas 32 Results: TJ Dillashaw Wins Razor-Close Decision Over Cory Sandhagen|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/07/24/ufc-vegas-32-results-tj-dillashaw/|access-date=2021-07-25|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} 17 out of 23 media outlets scored the bout as a win for Sandhagen.{{Cite web|title=T.J. Dillashaw def. Cory Sandhagen :: UFC on ESPN 27 :: MMA Decisions|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/12163/T.J.-Dillashaw-vs-Cory-Sandhagen|access-date=2021-07-25|website=mmadecisions.com}}

Sandhagen faced Petr Yan for the Interim UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 267 on October 30, 2021. Sandhagen served as a late replacement for Aljamain Sterling, who was forced to withdraw from the bout with Yan due to a neck injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/9/28/22699032/petr-yan-vs-cory-sandhagen-set-for-interim-bantamweight-title-fight-at-ufc-267|title=Petr Yan vs. Cory Sandhagen set for interim bantamweight title fight at UFC 267|work=MMAFighting.com|date=September 28, 2021|author=Mike Heck; Damon Martin|access-date=September 28, 2021}} He lost the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-10-30|title=UFC 267 Results: Petr Yan Claims Interim Title in Thriller Against Cory Sandhagen|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/10/30/ufc-267-results-petr-yan-vs-cory-sandhagen/|access-date=2021-10-30|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} This bout earned the Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-30|title=UFC 267 bonuses: Glover Teixeira's Cinderella story worth an extra $50,000|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-267-bonuses-50000-abu-dhabi-glover-teixeira-khamzat-chimaev-petr-yan-cory-sandhagen|access-date=2021-10-30|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}

Sandhagen faced Song Yadong on September 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 210.{{Cite web |last=Raimondi |first=Marc |date=2022-06-17 |title=Sources: Sandhagen-Song to headline Sept. card |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/34109229/cory-sandhagen-vs-song-yadong-bantamweight-bout-headline-ufc-fight-night-sept-17-sources-say |access-date=2022-06-18 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He won the fight via technical knockout after the doctor stopped the fight due to a cut.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2022-09-17 |title=UFC Vegas 60: Nasty Cut Halts Cory Sandhagen vs. Song Yadong Early |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/09/17/ufc-vegas-60-cory-sandhagen-vs-song-yadong/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Sandhagen was scheduled to face Marlon Vera on February 18, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 219.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/12/ufc-news-marlon-chito-vera-vs-cory-sandhagen-booked-feb-18-headliner|title=Marlon Vera vs. Cory Sandhagen to headline UFC Fight Night on Feb. 18|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2022-12-23|access-date=2022-12-23}} However, the bout was rebooked for UFC on ESPN 43 on March 25.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/2/23583803/cory-sandhagen-vs-marlon-vera-rebooked-for-march-25-ufc-event|title=Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera rebooked to headline March 25 UFC event|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Staff|date=2023-02-02|access-date=2023-02-02}} Sandhagen won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web |last=Doherty |first=Dan |date=2023-03-25 |title=UFC San Antonio: Cory Sandhagen Puts On Clinic Against Marlon Vera |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/03/25/ufc-san-antonio-marlon-vera-cory-sandhagen/ |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} Though one judge scored the bout for Vera, 24 out of 24 media outlets scored the bout for Sandhagen.{{cite web|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/13877/Cory-Sandhagen-vs-Marlon-Vera|title=Cory Sandhagen defeats Marlon Vera|work=MMA Decisions|access-date=March 26, 2023}}

Sandhagen was scheduled to face Umar Nurmagomedov on August 5, 2023 at UFC on ESPN 50 in Nashville, Tennessee.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/06/ufc-nashville-main-event-fight-card-cory-sandhagen-vs-umar-nurmagomedov|title=UFC books Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov headliner for Nashville|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and Matthew Wells|date=2023-06-15|access-date=2023-06-15}} However, Nurmagomedov withdrew from the event mid-July due to shoulder injury,{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/07/ufc-news-cory-sandhagen-vs-umar-nurmagomedov|title=Umar Nurmagomedov out of UFC on ESPN 50 main event vs. Cory Sandhagen|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2023-07-19|access-date=2023-07-19}} and was replaced by Rob Font in a catchweight bout of 140 pounds.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/07/ufc-nashville-rob-font-vs-cory-sandhagen-main-event-booked|title=Rob Font steps into UFC Nashville main event vs. Cory Sandhagen after Umar Nurmagomedov's withdrawal|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2023-07-20|access-date=2023-07-20}} Sandhagen won the fight via unanimous decision despite tearing his right triceps during the first round.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2023-08-06 |title=UFC Nashville: Cory Sandhagen Dominates Font with Wrestling After Early Torn Tricep Injury |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/08/06/ufc-nashville-cory-sandhagen-dominates-rob-font-with-wrestling-after-early-torn-tricep-injury/ |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Sandhagen faced Umar Nurmagomedov on August 3, 2024, at UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov in a bantamweight title eliminator.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2024-05-06 |title=Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov booked for main event at UFC Abu Dhabi on Aug. 3 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/5/6/24149968/cory-sandhagen-vs-umar-nurmagomedov-booked-for-main-event-at-ufc-abu-dhabi-on-aug-3 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2024-05-29 |title=Nick Diaz returns, Tony Ferguson moves to welterweight at UFC Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/5/29/24167047/nick-diaz-returns-tony-ferguson-moves-to-welterweight-at-ufc-abu-dhabi |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He lost the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/08/03/ufc-abu-dhabi-umar-nurmagomedov-pushes-towards-title-shot-with-win-over-cory-sandhagen/|title=UFC Abu Dhabi: Umar Nurmagomedov Pushes Towards Title Shot with Win Over Cory Sandhagen|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Patrick McCorry|date=2024-08-03|access-date=2024-08-03}}

Sandhagen faced former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event on May 3, 2025 at UFC on ESPN 67.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-des-moines-deiveson-figueiredo-vs-cory-sandhagen-main-event-booked|title=Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cory Sandhagen to headline UFC Des Moines event in May|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2025-02-20|access-date=2025-02-20}} He won the fight by technical knockout in the second round after Figueiredo suffered a knee injury.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/05/04/figueiredo-injures-knee-cory-sandhagen-scores-tko-victory/|title=Figueiredo Injures Knee, Cory Sandhagen Scores TKO Victory|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Eddie Law|date=2025-05-04|access-date=2025-05-04}} This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2025/05/04/ufc-results-from-des-moines-bonus-winners-highlights-and-reaction/|title=UFC Results From Des Moines, Bonus Winners, Highlights And Reaction|publisher=forbes.com|author=Brian Mazique|date=2025-05-04|access-date=2025-05-04}}

Apart from his mixed martial arts career, Sandhagen worked part-time at a trauma center for children. He teaches mixed martial arts at High Altitude Martial Arts in Aurora, Colorado.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/01/cory-sandhagen-ufc-brooklyn-dream-mma|title=Cory Sandhagen's UFC dream: Fighting mastery, and a stone-cold octagon stunner|author=Steven Marrocco|date=January 26, 2019|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}

Sandhagen and his wife Erica got married in September 2023.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw5apXgr_kt/?hl=en&img_index=1 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=www.instagram.com}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Fight of the Night (Two times) {{small|vs. Iuri Alcantara and Petr Yan}}
• Performance of the Night (Three times) {{small|vs. Marlon Moraes, Frankie Edgar and Deiveson Figueiredo}}
• Second fastest flying-knee finish in UFC history (0:28) vs. Frankie Edgar{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-on-abc-7-pre-event-facts-tony-ferguson-longest-losind-skid-history|title=UFC on ABC 7 pre-event facts: Tony Ferguson needs win to avoid longest losing skid in octagon history|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2024-07-31|access-date=2024-07-31}}
• UFC Honors Awards
• 2021: President's Choice Fight of the Year Nominee {{small|vs. Petr Yan}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-honors-2021-dana-white-presidential-awards|title=UFC Honors 2021 Presidential Awards Nominees|publisher=ufc.com|author=Zac Pacleb|date=2022-01-13|access-date=2025-01-13}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2019: Ranked #6 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Mario Bautista}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-submissions-2019|title=Ten Best – The Submissions of 2019|date=2 January 2020|first=Thomas|last=Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2021: Ranked #4 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Petr Yan}},{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-fights-2021-gaethje-chandler-oliveira-holloway-volkanovski|title=THE TEN BEST FIGHTS OF 2021|date=December 26, 2021|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} Ranked #3 Knockout of the Year {{small|vs. Frankie Edgar}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/10-best-knockouts-2021-usman-prochazka-sandhagen-namajunas-ngannou-lewis-poirier|title=The 10 Best Knockouts Of 2021|date=December 21, 2021|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship|author=Thomas Gerbasi|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106101716/https://www.ufc.com/news/10-best-knockouts-2021-usman-prochazka-sandhagen-namajunas-ngannou-lewis-poirier|url-status=live}} & Ranked #9 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. T.J. Dillashaw}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-fights-2021-gaethje-chandler-oliveira-holloway-volkanovski|title=THE TEN BEST FIGHTS OF 2021|date=December 26, 2021|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• Sparta Combat League
• SCL Featherweight Championship (one time; former)
• MMAjunkie.com
• 2021 February Knockout of the Month vs. Frankie Edgar {{cite web |last1=MMA Junkie Staff |title=MMA Junkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for February: A flying knee for the ages |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/knockout-of-the-month-february-2021-cory-sandhagen-flying-knee-ufc-frankie-edgar |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |date=2 March 2021 |access-date=2 March 2021}}
• 2021 July Fight of the Month {{small|vs. TJ Dillashaw}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/fight-of-the-month-july-2021-tj-dillashaw-cory-sandhagen-ufc-on-espn-27|title=MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for July: A high-stakes bantamweight banger|author=Mike Bohn|date=August 5, 2021|work=MMAjunkie.com}}
• Cageside Press
• 2021 Knockout of the Year vs. Frankie Edgar{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/12/31/mma-2021-year-in-review-knockout-of-the-year/|title=MMA 2021 Year in Review: Knockout of the Year|date=31 December 2021|language=en-US|access-date=2021-12-31}}
• Combat Press
• 2021 Knockout of the Year vs. Frankie Edgar{{cite web|url=https://combatpress.com/2022/02/combat-press-2021-mma-awards-knockout-of-the-year-cory-sandhagen-vs-frankie-edgar/|title=Combat Press 2021 MMA Awards: Knockout of the Year – Cory Sandhagen vs. Frankie Edgar|date=February 8, 2022|publisher=combatpress.com|author=Dan Kuhl}}

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 8

| sub-wins= 3

| dec-wins= 7

| ko-losses=

| sub-losses= 1

| dec-losses= 4

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|18–5

|Deiveson Figueiredo

|TKO (knee injury)

|UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo

|{{dts|2025|May|3}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:08

|Des Moines, Iowa, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–5

|Umar Nurmagomedov

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov

|{{dts|2024|August|3}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{small|UFC Bantamweight title eliminator.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|17–4

|Rob Font

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font

|{{dts|2023|August|5}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Nashville, Tennessee, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (140 lb) bout.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–4

|Marlon Vera

|Decision (split)

|UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Sandhagen

|{{dts|2023|March|25}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|San Antonio, Texas, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–4

|Song Yadong

|TKO (doctor stoppage)

|UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song

|{{dts|2022|September|17}}

|align=center|4

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|14–4

|Petr Yan

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 267

|{{dts|2021|October|30}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{small|For the interim UFC Bantamweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|14–3

|T.J. Dillashaw

|Decision (split)

|UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw

|{{dts|2021|July|24}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–2

|Frankie Edgar

|KO (flying knee)

|UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Volkov

|{{dts|2021|February|6}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:28

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–2

|Marlon Moraes

|TKO (spinning wheel kick and punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen

|{{dts|2020|October|10}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:03

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|12–2

|Aljamain Sterling

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 250

|{{dts|2020|June|6}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:28

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|UFC Bantamweight title eliminator.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–1

|Raphael Assunção

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 241

|{{dts|2019|August|17}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Anaheim, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–1

|John Lineker

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson

|{{dts|2019|April|27}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Sunrise, Florida, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–1

| Mario Bautista

| Submission (armbar)

| UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw

| {{dts|2019|1|19}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:31

| Brooklyn, New York, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–1

| Iuri Alcântara

| TKO (punches)

| UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Vick

| {{dts|2018|8|25}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:01

| Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

|{{small|Return to Bantamweight. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–1

| Austin Arnett

| TKO (punches)

| UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2

| {{dts|2018|1|27}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:48

| Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–1

| José Aguayo

| TKO (knee and elbows)

| LFA 31

| {{dts|2018|1|19}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:07

| Phoenix, Arizona, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–1

| Luiz Antônio Lobo Gavinho

| TKO (punches)

| LFA 24

| {{dts|2017|10|13}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:00

| Phoenix, Arizona, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 5–1

| Jamall Emmers

| Decision (unanimous)

| LFA 5

| {{dts|2017|2|24}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Broomfield, Colorado, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–0

| Clay Wimer

| Decision (unanimous)

| RFA 43

| {{dts|2016|9|9}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Broomfield, Colorado, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0

| Josh Huber

| Decision (unanimous)

| Sparta Combat League 50

| {{dts|2016|7|16}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Castle Rock, Colorado, United States

|{{small|Won the SCL Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0

| Dalton Goddard

| Submission (triangle choke)

| Paramount MMA 2016

| {{dts|2016|5|15}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:38

| Denver, Colorado, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Andrew Tenneson

| Decision (unanimous)

| RFA 34

| {{dts|2016|1|15}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Broomfield, Colorado, United States

|{{small|Featherweight debut.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Bruce Sessman

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| FTW: Prize Fighting Championship 9

| {{dts|2015|5|30}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:16

| Williston, North Dakota, United States

|{{small|Bantamweight debut.}}

|-

{{end}}

{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=Cory Sandhagen MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Cory-Sandhagen-112869|access-date=2020-06-07|website=Sherdog}}

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists

{{Reflist}}

• {{sports links}}

{{UFC Bantamweight Rankings}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sandhagen, Cory}}

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:Bantamweight mixed martial artists

Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Mixed martial artists from Colorado

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Sportspeople from Aurora, Colorado

Category:University of Colorado Boulder alumni

Category:21st-century American sportsmen