Gregory Rodrigues
UFC Vegas 60: Sandhagen vs Song – Take a look at the results and also the ones who received the bonus
The UFC bantamweight division is shaping into one of the most exciting divisions in the UFC. Aljamain Sterling sits on top of the division after he cemented his position as the champion when he beat Petr Yan in their rematch. Yan is set to face Sean O’Malley in a stacked PPV card in Abu Dhabi at UFC 280. O’Malley will likely get the next title shot with a victory over Yan owing to his growing popularity. However, there are other fighters in the division that are shaping up to be the next challenger for the throne. Sandhagen has fallen short in the past but aims to make another run for the title with youth on his side. Two exciting bantamweights clashed this weekend when Cory Sandhagen and Song Yadong locked horns in the main event of UFC Vegas 60.
Cory Sandhagen reminded everyone why he remains one of the most exciting fighters in the bantamweight division. A technical wizard, Sandhagen came back from a two-fight consecutive slump and back to winning ways against a tough opponent in Song Yadong.
Sandhagen pressured early and attempted a takedown against the fence. Song almost caught Sandhagen with a knee but the Chinese fighter landed a good elbow on the break. Sandhagen used a body kick-heavy approach. Song found success with the counter left but had to fight Sandhagen’s takedown attempt. He tried a solid elbow on the break but ate thudding body shots two minutes in. Sandhagen controlled the range, and shoots again. Nice switch by Song to land in guard, where Sandhagen has a potential triangle setup. Song snuffs it out and jumps on his back.
The fight was high-paced, adrenaline-fueled and end-to-end action. Both fighters refused to take a back step and engaged almost instantaneously when the referee separated them.
Sandhagen began the second round with a much more calculated approach. He tried his famous flying knee. Sandhagen switched to double-leg attempts but good scrambling by Song. Song pressed forward with combinations. Sandhagen’s covered in blood and none of it is his. A big cut opened up on Song’s face that would mess with his vision. The American made it clear that he wants to stay in range, utilize his kicks, enter with a takedown attempt, and inflict damage on the break. Song waited to counter, and had some success but the cut started bothering him.
The remainder of the fight continued in a similar fashion and Song’s energy and sting behind his counter shots began to go down. His cut opened up pretty bad and on the ringside doctor had to call a stop to what was an entertaining clash.
Sandhagen called for a fight against Chito Vera and Merab Dvalishvili after the fight:
“No, not really. I think as a martial artist, I try not to have many opinions about anything. I live in a way where I just more or less try to go with the flow and that life give me opportunities, and I take them. Chito and Merab are the obvious names. Both of them pose very different challenges, two completely opposite fighters almost. I don’t really care man. Give me one of them for Christmas.”
The co-main event was a firework affair as Chidi Njokuani and Gregory Rodrigues engaged in a bloody duel. Njokuani opened a nasty cut on Rodrigues in the opening sequence of the first round. It was one of the nastiest cuts in the history of the sport. UFC President Dana White shared a before-after image that terrified fans.
Both fighters engaged in a slugfest from the get-go. While it looked like fans would not witness a second round, Rodrigues rallied and took control of the fight. He took the fight to the mats and worked towards a finish. The referee stepped in, he had seen enough of the brutal ground and pound.
Cory Sandhagen def. Song Yadong via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 4
Gregory Rodrigues def. Chidi Njokuani via TKO (punches) at 1:27 of Round 2
Andre Fili def. Bill Algeo via split decision
Joe Pyfer def. Alen Amedovski via KO (punch) at 3:55 of Round 1
Rodrigo Nascimento def. Tanner Boser via split decision
Anthony Hernandez def. Marc-Andre Barriault via technical submission (arm-triangle choke)
Damon Jackson def. Pat Sabatini via TKO (verbal submission) at 1:09 of Round 1
Trevin Giles def. Louis Cosce via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Loma Lookboonmee def. Denise Gomes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Trey Ogden def. Daniel Zellhuber via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Gillian Robertson def. Mariya Agapova via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:19 of Round 2
Javid Basharat def. Tony Gravely via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Nikolas Motta def. Cameron VanCamp via TKO (punches) at 3:49 of Round 1
Here are the fighters who cashed in an extra $50,000 for their brilliant display:
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