UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SANDHAGEN VS. FONT ODDS, PREDICTION AND FIGHT PREVIEW
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating evening of combat as the UFC makes its return to Nashville, presenting a captivating lineup of fights. The main event boasts a pivotal showdown between two prominent bantamweight contenders, Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font.
Initially set to take on rising star Umar Nurmagomedov, Sandhagen now squares off against Font, who enthusiastically embraced the chance to headline the event. The main card showcases an array of other thrilling matchups, with seasoned fighters and emerging talents eager to assert their dominance in their respective divisions.
Cory Sandhagen vs. Rob Font
In the main event, perennial contenders and Top 10 fixtures, Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font, are set to meet in a highly anticipated showdown. Originally slated to face rising star Umar Nurmagomedov, Sandhagen now finds himself up against the dangerous Font, who jumped at the opportunity to headline the event in Nashville. Font’s decision to forgo a fight at home in Boston in favor of this pivotal matchup speaks volumes about the significance of this clash.
Cory Sandhagen enters the main event with back-to-back victories, showcasing his prowess in the bantamweight division. With an impressive 9-3 record inside the Octagon and six finishes to his name, Sandhagen’s only losses have come against former bantamweight titleholders. His last two victories over Song Yadong and Marlon “Chito” Vera have solidified his position among the division’s elite, and he now looks to make a statement against the surging Rob Font.
On the other side of the Octagon, Rob Font brings a lot of momentum into this headlining bout. Fresh off a first-round stoppage win over Adrian Yanez, Font demonstrated his knockout power and reminded everyone of his standing in the division. The victory against Yanez ended a two-fight slide, reaffirming Font’s place among the bantamweight elites. With a proud new fatherhood status, Font aims to capitalize on this opportunity and secure the biggest win of his career.
The significance of this main event cannot be understated. With the bantamweight title on the line at UFC 292, Sandhagen vs. Font stands as a critical matchup that will help determine where everyone stands heading into the final third of 2023. The competitive and intriguing pairing between two 135-pound stalwarts promises to serve as an excellent finale to this weekend’s fight card in Nashville.
Odds: Cory Sandhagen (-300) vs. Rob Font (+240)
Prediction: While MMA math doesn’t always work, this might be the rare time it does. Marlon Vera holds a dominant victory over Font and Sandhagen put on an MMA masterclass against Vera. All the three fighters are well-rounded but Sandhagen seems to be ahead of the curve with his experience fighting with top-ranked contenders. With all that in mind, we believe Sandhagen wins the bout by unanimous decision.
Other Fights on the card
But the main event is not the only highlight of this action-packed night. The rest of the card is stacked with a mix of newcomers, ascending talents, and tenured competitors looking to make further headway in their respective divisions. Let’s take a closer look at the athletes set to make the walk this weekend.
In the co-main event, former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade looks to get back on track as she faces off against rising contender Tatiana Suarez. Andrade, after an impressive win over Lauren Murphy, experienced setbacks in her last two fights against Erin Blanchfield and Yan Xiaonan. The Brazilian powerhouse, now more than four years removed from her title win, aims to rediscover her winning form and prove she is still a force to be reckoned with in the strawweight division.
Standing in her way is the undefeated Tatiana Suarez, who returned to action with a dominant second-round submission win over Montana De La Rosa after more than three years on the sidelines. Now back in her natural surroundings at strawweight, Suarez looks to build on her perfect record and make a statement against the former champion. This pivotal matchup will be crucial in determining who remains in the title contention mix in the stacked strawweight division.
Another exciting bout on the main card features a clash between light heavyweights Dustin Jacoby and Kennedy Nzechukwu. Both fighters are looking to bounce back from recent losses and climb the rankings in the competitive 205-pound division. Jacoby, known for his technical striking skills, will be tested by the power and momentum of Nzechukwu, who enters the contest on a three-fight winning streak. With both fighters hungry for redemption, this matchup promises fireworks and a potential highlight-reel finish.
The main card opener features a thrilling lightweight encounter between Ignacio Bahamondes and Ludovit Klein. Both fighters boast impressive unbeaten runs, and this clash serves as an opportunity for each to take another step towards contention in the lightweight division. Bahamondes has been on a tear with three consecutive victories since his debut loss, while Klein is coming off decision wins over Devonte Smith and Mason Jones, along with a majority draw with Jai Herbert. With the lightweight division always on the lookout for emerging talents, this fight could catapult the winner into the spotlight.
As the main card offers a mix of high-stakes matchups, the preliminary card is equally stacked with intriguing fights. One notable bout features featherweights Billy Quarantillo and Damon Jackson. Both veterans are looking to get things moving in the right direction again after recent setbacks. Quarantillo enters off a first-round knockout loss to Edson Barboza, while Jackson fights for the first time since his January encounter with Dan Ige. Both fighters have consistently delivered entertaining performances, making this a must-watch preliminary clash.
Another interesting preliminary bout sees Kyler Phillips make his long-awaited return to the Octagon against Raoni Barcelos. Phillips, 4-1 in the UFC, will be looking to continue his winning ways after an 18-month hiatus from competition. On the other hand, Barcelos, coming off a loss to Umar Nurmagomedov, aims to prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division. With two skilled fighters looking to regain momentum, this clash could be a potential Fight of the Night candidate.
The preliminary card also features a welterweight showdown between Jeremiah Wells and Carlston Harris. Both fighters have been impressive in their UFC careers, with Wells on a six-fight winning streak and Harris having bounced back with a victory after a loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. With a combined 7-1 record inside the Octagon, these welterweights will look to deliver an explosive encounter.
The flyweight division will be on full display as Cody Durden steps up to face rising British prospect Jake Hadley. Durden replaces Tagir Ulanbekov and looks to build on his trio of victories since losing his debut. Hadley, on the other hand, has been making waves with consecutive stoppage wins over Carlos Candelario and Malcolm Gordon. With both fighters eyeing a rise in the 125-pound weight class, this flyweight matchup is set to showcase high-paced action and potential title contenders.
Finally, the preliminary card opener features a flyweight clash between veteran Ode’ Osbourne and newcomer Assu Almabeyev. Osbourne continues to be one of the more active fighters in the flyweight division, and he’ll look to add another victory to his record. Almabeyev arrives on a 13-fight winning streak, eager to make a splash in his UFC debut. With two talented flyweights looking to make their mark, this fight could set the tone for the rest of the night.
In conclusion, the UFC’s return to Nashville promises to be a night filled with thrilling matchups and captivating moments. The main event between Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font will undoubtedly be the highlight of the card, with the bantamweight title implications adding an extra layer of excitement. However, the stacked main card and the intriguing preliminary fights offer a mix of high stakes, redemption stories, and rising prospects, making this event one that fight fans won.
MAIN CARD ODDS
- Cory Sandhagen (-300) vs. Rob Font (+240)
- Jessica Andrade (+300) vs. Tatiana Suarez (-400)
- Dustin Jacoby (+125) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (-150)
- Diego Lopes (-130) vs. Gavin Tucker (+110)
- Tanner Boser (-170) vs. Aleksa Camur (+145)
- Ignacio Bahamondes (-210) vs. Ludovit Klein (+175)
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Raoni Barcelos (+160) vs. Kyler Phillips (-190)
- Carlston Harris (+130) vs. Jeremiah Wells (-155)
- Damon Jackson (+150) vs. Billy Quarantillo (-175)
- Cody Durden (+145) vs. Jake Hadley (-170)
- Asu Almabaev (-150) vs. Ode Osbourne (+125)
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